Move to trap tigers in Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves irks activists

Bengaluru: Wildlife activists are upset over Forest Department’s move to placing three cages to capture tigers in Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves. The activists point out that in two places the tigers were sighted with young cubs, and relocating the parent would be a great loss to cubs.

While one cage was placed on Thursday near Omkar Range of Bandipur Reserve, two cages were put up in Nagarhole - at Balhala in Kalhalla and Taraka backwaters in Metikuppe Range. According to forest officials the tigers in question have become ‘problematic’ for those residing on the forest fringes following attacks on livestock.

“The tiger at Omkar Range has killed three cattle in two days and the villagers are living in fear. As a precautionary measure we are placing the cage. The forest team sighted a tiger duo for more than two hours on the forest fringes and we are hoping that the tiger will be trapped by Friday, unless they return deep inside the forest,” said an official.

However, the activists are not ready to buy this theory. “Two out of three tigers that are short listed for capturing, have young cubs. Its essential that tiger cubs remain with mother for at least three years, otherwise their existence in the forests becomes impossible with other dominant tigers occupying the territory.

And in most cases, tigers which are trapped, are sent to zoos. There have been cases where tigers, which have taken to cattle killing, returning to dense forests after being scared away by villagers and forest teams. Similar attempts should be made in these cases,” said a Mysuru based activist.