Andhra's Eluru tiger pursuit: Forest dept deploys 350 personnel in safe capture bid
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has intensified its efforts to safely capture a tiger that has been moving across forest areas in Eluru, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Chinturu and the Papikonda National Park region. The operation involves close coordination among wildlife experts, veterinary teams and local communities.
To assist the forest staff, experts from the Bengaluru-based Wildlife SOS organisation and the Wardha unit of People for Animals have been deployed. Experienced personnel from various tiger reserves have also joined the operation, along with six trained tranquilliser shooters kept on standby.
According to forest officials, the tiger has shown exceptional agility and caution, avoiding areas with human activity and even locations where observation platforms, known locally as machans, have been erected. These challenges have prompted the teams to adopt advanced tracking methods, including analysing pugmarks, camera-trap footage and location data.
The operation zone has been divided into inner and outer rectangles under a double-rectangle strategy designed to restrict the animal’s movement. Baits and traps have been placed to lure the tiger into a designated area where tranquilliser teams and veterinary experts remain prepared. Nearly 350 personnel from territorial and wildlife divisions are involved, with support from local villagers. Communication is maintained through walkie-talkies and a VHF network.
Forest teams are employing star-pattern and U-shaped search methods to monitor the routes likely taken by the tiger. Thermal drones, night-vision cameras, tracking teams and net fencing have been deployed to improve the chances of a safe capture. Officials said the tiger’s movements are being continuously monitored.
The department has alerted residents of Darbhagudem, P. Rajavaram, Chellavarigudem, A. Polavaram, Appalarajugudem, Sirivarigudem, Ramannapalem, Madakavarigudem, Datlavarigudem, Sriratnagudem, Sitampeta and nearby villages through drum announcements and public address systems. Forest range officials in Kannapuram, Polavaram, Kukkunoor and Jangareddygudem have been placed on high alert.
In an appeal to residents, the department has asked people to remain calm, follow official instructions and cooperate with authorities until the operation is completed. Chief Conservator of Forests (Rajamahendravaram) T. Jyothi and Eluru District Forest Officer P.V. Sandeep Reddy are supervising the operation and reviewing the measures being undertaken on the ground.
