Gudalur tiger attacks: Forest Department yet to identify animal behind two deaths
The Forest Department in The Nilgiris is yet to identify the tiger responsible for the deaths of two men at O'Valley in Gudalur. While officials have spotted the animal using a drone camera, a clear image has not been obtained to match it with records from the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPEs).
P. Devaraj, Divisional Forest Officer (Gudalur), said the animal responsible was likely a male tiger known to inhabit the area. However, he acknowledged the possibility that more than one tiger may be using the region. "There is a high chance that more than one tiger is utilising this area," he said.
The second victim, K. Ravikumar (51), was killed in Lauriston, O'Valley. Investigations indicate the tiger actively stalked and hunted him. This differs from the first incident on August 9, when M. Balakrishnan (58) died in what was believed at the time to be an accidental encounter.
To prevent further incidents, the Forest Department has placed six cages in the area, with two more to be added on Sunday evening. Tracking teams have been deployed for round-the-clock surveillance. The department has also requested the assistance of two kumki elephants from the Theppakadu Elephant Camp to help tranquilise the tiger in tandem with efforts to trap it using bait inside the cages.
Tiger-human conflict in the Nilgiris has been a growing concern, with increasing encroachment into wildlife corridors. The Forest Department's response aims to balance the need for public safety with the conservation of the tiger, a protected species under Indian law. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the affected areas alone.
The M-STrIPEs database enables authorities to identify individual tigers based on their unique stripe patterns. A positive identification is crucial for a targeted response, as it helps determine whether the animal involved is a repeat offender or a different individual. Until a clear photograph is obtained, the department continues to rely on tracks, scat, and camera trap footage for clues.
