Mananthavady: Several days have passed since an extensive search operation was launched to nab a tiger which has been hunting for prey in human settlements in parts of Wayanad district. But the operation is yet to yield any result, though its image was captured on Monday morning by a camera trap installed at Devatath forest of the Thrissilery section of the Begur forest range.
(A camera trap is a digital camera connected to an infrared sensor which can spot warm objects that are moving, like animals.)
With the authorities confirming that it is the same tiger which attacked domestic animals, the search operations have been intensified.
The teams of forest guards conducted a massive search operation in deep forests, Kattikulam second gate, which is part of the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, and Ammani forest from morning to evening.
Kumki elephants Kalloor Komban and Vadakanadu Komban conducted a search in the forest on Monday. Of the five trap cages installed earlier one was shifted to this area. As many as 50 cameras have been installed in the area.
Pugmarks found
Even as the local residents believed the tiger would have retreated to the forest its pugmarks were found in populated areas on Monday, creating panic. The pugmarks were spotted in Patamata Chengoth area within the Mananthavady municipality limits.
The forest guards arrived in the area and carried out a search operation. While following the pugmarks, the forest officials confirmed that the animal had retreated to the forests.
Subsequently, the forest officials intensified the search operation in the forest areas.
The forest officials are of the view that the tiger, which has sustained injury on the neck, will not travel long distances. They came to this conclusion after assessing the pattern of the pugmarks which suggested the pace of the tiger has decreased.
Bishop arrives
After the day-long search operation the team of higher officials reviewed the progress of the search mission. Meanwhile, a team led by Mananthavady Bishop Mar Jose Perunthottam visited Kurukkanmoola where the tiger had struck several times in the last one month.
The local residents have demanded that the big cat should be traced and left in the deep forest.
Farmers mull agitation
Farmers' organisations are preparing to launch an agitation to point out the failure of the government machinery in capturing the animal.
Despite more than 200 personnel, including forest and police officials, conducting search operations, bursting crackers and scanning the forest for days together, they have not been able to even see the tiger live.
Three tranquillizer units were in action on Monday. A team led by chief forest veterinary officer Dr Arun Zachraia has been part of the mission for the past many days. Besides, a Tamil Nadu tranquillizer team headed by Dr K K Ragesh which came from Muthumalai is also camping in the area.
