Forest department and police personnel have been on high alert since Monday after residents reported sightings of a tiger moving through farmland and nearby paddy fields at Pachilakkad in Panamaram, near Kalpetta in Wayanad.

Forest officials have decided to tranquillise the animal. They said such sightings are not unusual during the winter months, which coincide with the mating season of big cats.

They say this three-month period is risky for people on the forest fringes as most tiger attacks occur during the mating season, when animals stray far and wide in search of mates. The Forest Department has issued alerts and guidelines to people living near the forests in the district.

Time to attract mates
A male tiger controls a vast territory -- often stretching up to 20 km in radius -- within which several tigresses live, carving their own areas. 

In effect, an alpha male's domain functions like a harem, giving him exclusive mating rights over multiple females.

When a tigress comes into estrus (in heat), she releases scent markings and gives out distinctive calls that carry across the forest. Drawn by these signals, the male soon enters her territory. Territorial battles among female tigers are no less ferocious than those fought by males as each fiercely guards her range.

Typically, a single male's territory includes two to five females. However, when a younger tiger defeats an older dominant male and takes over his range, the transition can be violent. The new male often kills existing cubs, a grim strategy that eliminates the previous male's lineage and establishes his authority over the females.

Aged & pushed aside
In this ferocious game of one-upmanship, younger and stronger males win their mates, pushing aside older males. Unable to hunt for themselves due to old age and unfit to survive deep in the jungle, these males become increasingly frustrated and stray into human settlements in search of an easy catch.

The Animal Hospice and Rehabilitation Centre at Kuppadi, near Sulthan Bathery, already houses more aged and incapacitated big cats than its carrying capacity, officials point out.

Avoid lone treks
Animal experts point out that members of the indigenous communities and farmers living on forest fringes are not adequately sensitised about the dangers of the mating season. Even a slight disturbance may be enough to enrage an animal preparing the right ambience to court a mate, say tiger enthusiasts.

Guidelines issued by the Forest Department warn people against roaming alone through forest-like areas, including plantations, during the mating season. Making some sounds can help avoid sudden encounters. During the night, walking alone through jungle routes should be avoided, the guidelines say.

Any travel on foot through forest regions during early hours or late evenings should be avoided. Members of the indigenous communities who enter forests to collect minor forest produce should return before nightfall and avoid going into the jungle alone.

Avoid using intoxicants
The guidelines also caution against travelling through forest areas after consuming intoxicants. Often, intoxicated tourists end up in front of the animals with disastrous results.

The communique insists that cattle protection must be strengthened during the season, as big cats may attempt to lift those animals, especially if they are tied up in open spaces.

Livestock should be kept in sheds with adequate lighting. Maintaining a live fireplace nearby can help keep predators away.

Kerala State Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Arun Zachariyah told Onmanorama that such guidelines are essential to avoid human-wildlife conflicts during the season. The season begins in November, with the most intense period lasting for three months, he said.