A specially trained team has been deployed for the operation
Idukki: The forest department has intensified efforts to capture the tiger that has been roaming the Arankal region of Peermade for over a month. The animal is believed to be the same tiger that was captured from the Munnar region and later released into the Periyar Tiger Reserve earlier.A specially trained eight-member team led by Erumeli range officer K V Ratheesh has been deployed for the operation. Veterinary experts from Munnar and Konni have also joined the mission to tranquilise and safely capture the tiger.
Forest department has erected elevated watchtowers
To strengthen surveillance, the department has erected two elevated watchtowers along the tiger’s suspected movement routes. Infrared cameras, camera traps and a VHF radio tracking system have also been installed to monitor the animal’s movements.
Although forest officials have been receiving intermittent signs confirming the animal’s presence, they have so far been unable to locate it. Over the past three days, personnel from Murinjapuzha Forest Division and Peerumedu Rapid Response Team have been conducting round-the-clock patrols in the area to ensure public safety and monitor the tiger’s movements.
Forest officials believe the tiger, which had spent a long period moving through human settlements in Munnar, has become accustomed to human presence and is now remaining concealed deep inside the forest, making the search operation particularly challenging.
A dedicated control room has been opened at Arankal to receive information from the public. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid venturing alone into forest fringe areas, and immediately report any sighting or evidence of the tiger. The department said the search operation would continue until the animal is safely captured.