Tigers Settle in Mulugu Forests and Nearby Districts

Speedy Summary

• Two sub-adult male tigers have been residing in the Mulugu forests and neighboring districts of Telangana, attempting to establish their territories.
• One tiger, around 20 months old, entered from Chhattisgarh into Venkatapuram forest; the other, aged 16 months, came via Peddapalli district.
• Both tigers have adequate prey and water availability in these forests; no major cattle kills reported.
• Forest teams are monitoring their movements using camera traps and local information to protect them against poaching or poisoned kills.
• Increased vigilance includes deploying forest watchers at base camps and warning locals about tiger presence.
• Officials mentioned that one tiger-poaching incident occured in Mulugu district (September 2021), where nine individuals were arrested for killing a tiger from Chhattisgarh.
• Telangana State Board for Wildlife approved setting up a ‘Tiger Cell’ to track movements and manage human-wildlife conflicts outside reserves.

Indian Opinion analysis

The sighting of two tigers settling in Telangana’s forests represents an encouraging sign for wildlife conservation efforts but underscores challenges associated with human-wildlife coexistence. The proactive measures taken by forest officials-monitoring through camera traps and intensifying anti-poaching vigilance-highlight the importance of balancing ecological preservation with community safety. While adequate prey populations reduce direct conflict risks now, long-term success hinges on consistent protection frameworks like the proposed ‘Tiger Cell’ initiative.This progress could serve as a model for improving similar corridors nationwide while addressing critical issues such as illegal hunting and habitat encroachments.Read more: The Hindu