Malkangiri, Nov 3 (UDN): Residents in parts of Odisha’s Malkangiri district have been put on alert following reports of a tiger moving into the region from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, triggering heightened surveillance by the Forest Department.
The big cat is suspected to be moving through the Motu forest range near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Forest officials have intensified monitoring and deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to track its movement and prevent any possible human-wildlife conflict.
Radio Collar Signals Help Track Tiger Movement
According to forest officials, information about the tiger’s movement was received on Sunday through radio collar signals traced to the Papikonda region of Andhra Pradesh.
The signals indicated that the animal had moved towards the Motu range under the Malkangiri Forest Division. Since then, forest personnel have been closely monitoring its location and movement.
Field staff and Rapid Response Teams have been deployed in the vulnerable areas to assess the situation and keep track of the animal.
Villagers Cautioned Against Venturing Into Forest Areas
As a precautionary measure, the Forest Department has begun sensitising residents of nearby villages about the possible presence of the tiger.
People have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement into forest areas and immediately inform forest officials if they notice pugmarks or any unusual movement of wild animals.
The department is also gathering information from local residents to establish the animal’s exact location and movement pattern.
Malkangiri Collector Confirms Reports of Sighting
Malkangiri Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke confirmed that the administration had received information about a possible tiger sighting in the Kalimela area near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.
He said the Forest Department had been alerted following the reports, and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), along with other officials, had visited the area to interact with villagers and verify the information.
The Collector added that local residents had reported spotting the big cat, while the Forest Department was examining the available inputs before arriving at a definitive assessment.
With surveillance strengthened across the Motu range and adjoining areas, forest officials are maintaining close watch on the situation to ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife.