Chandrapur: Tigress tranquillized and caged by forest authorities

Chandrapur (Maharashtra) [India], September 30, (ANI): A tigress identified as T-83 was caged and tranquillized by forest officials in the Chichpalli forest range of Chandrapur district on Saturday. The operation was conducted due to the increasing movements of the tigress in human residential settlements.

The Tigress was observed roaming near the protected areas. The tranquillization process took place in compartment no. 717, located in the Janala area. Forest Range Officer Priyanka Velme coordinated the operation with a team of sharp shooters and wildlife experts to ensure the safety of both the animal and local residents.

The decision to tranquillize was undertaken after teh tigress posed threat to local residents. The tigress’ entry to residential areas was serious and could lead to potential danger to local residents. Therefore, a careful assessment was meticulously planned to minimise stress on the animal and to avoid any harm to the public. The authorities reached the site early in the morning to carry out the operation to cage the tigress.

The residents of Chandrapur have been strongly advised to stay alert and report any sightings of wildlife to the local forest officials. Recently, there was a successful operation to capture and relocate T-83, a potentially dangerous wildlife animal. The captured animal was safely relocated to a secure area within the forest range, ensuring the safety of both the animal and the local community.

This action was taken to address safety concerns following incidents involving the tigress. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the District Forest Officer (DFO) to ensure both human and wildlife safety.

From January 2023 to December 2023, the forest team tranquillized and captured 4 tigers from the Gadchiroli Circle, and 8 tigers were captured from the Chandrapur Circle. Besides, 8 leopards were also captured during this period.

Earlier this year, on January 3, in the Wakdi Forest area of Gadchiroli, a tiger attacked and killed a 55-year-old woman named Mangalabai Vitthal Bole. Similarly, on January 7, another tiger attack resulted in the death of a woman named Sushma Devidas Mandal in the Tintalpeth forest area of Aheri tehsil in Gadchiroli.