No tiger movement found in Gudalur, say Forest staff

COIMBATORE: The Forest Department in Gudalur has found no trace of tiger near human settlements, as it has not been captured in camera traps even after five days of monitoring.

Residents of ‘Semundi’ area in Sri Madurai panchayat were scared as some locals claimed of tiger presence in their neighbourhood. Therefore, the Forest Department fixed CCTV’s in five places in tea estates and stepped up monitoring.

The Forest Department also made an announcement through loudspeakers asking villagers to be alert and keep their cattle safe. “However, when the CCTV’s were analyzed, there was no trace of the tiger’s presence. However, we will continue to be vigilant and people should remain safe by not venturing out in the dark,” said an official.

Meanwhile, a leopard was caught on camera attacking a dog in the Forest Gate area in Ooty. The video of the incident, circulated widely on social media, shows a leopard straying into a residential area in the early morning hours and attacking a dog in front of a house.

Panicked over the presence of a leopard in their neighbourhood, the local residents have urged the Forest Department to take efforts to prevent the animal intrusion. A few days ago, a leopard was spotted in another residential locality in Balaji Nagar in Coonoor.

The Forest Department staff urged the people to avoid coming out of their houses at night as a precaution.