Elusive Tiger Captured in Wayanad District, Kerala

Residents of Koodallur and Kallurkunnu villages in Wayanad district, Kerala, can finally breathe a sigh of relief as an elusive tiger that had been causing unrest in the area for over a week has been successfully captured by the Forest department personnel on December 18, 2023.

After a farmer was tragically killed on December 8, 2023, allegedly by the same tiger, and multiple reports of the animal attacking a cow and numerous fowls at a poultry farm surfaced, the local community grew increasingly frustrated with the perceived inaction of the forest authorities in capturing the dangerous predator.

Efforts to Capture the Tiger

The Forest department responded by forming an 80-member special team dedicated to capturing the elusive tiger. Combing operations were intensified, and two trained elephants were deployed to aid in the mission. In addition, the team strategically placed five cages and installed 28 surveillance cameras in the area to closely monitor the tiger’s movements.

Finally, on Monday afternoon around 1.30 p.m., the male tiger, believed to be approximately 13 years old, entered the first cage set up on a coffee plantation in Koodallur, marking the successful capture of the animal. The tiger was identified as WWL-45 of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary based on the Forest department’s database.

Controversial Order and Tensions

Amidst the efforts to capture the tiger, controversy arose when the Chief Wildlife Warden issued an order on December 10, stating that if tranquilization and capture were not possible, the tiger should be shot dead. This decision was met with resistance from local residents, who demanded the animal be killed due to concerns that it might be released back into the forests.

To ensure the smooth operation, the Wayanad Sub-Collector imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the Koodallur area. However, tensions remained high on Monday as local residents attempted to prevent forest officials from shifting the captured tiger to an animal hospice and palliative care unit for big cats in Sulthan Bathery.

A large contingent of police personnel, led by Sulthan Bathery DySP K.K. Abdulsherief, is currently stationed at the site to maintain order and security.

Relief for Locals

The successful capture of the elusive tiger brings a sense of relief to the people of Koodallur and Kallurkunnu villages. They can now go about their daily lives without the constant fear and sleepless nights caused by the presence of the dangerous predator in their vicinity.

The Forest department’s dedicated efforts, including the deployment of a special team and the use of advanced surveillance technology, have paid off in ensuring the safety of the community and preserving the delicate balance between wildlife and human settlements.

With the captured tiger now in the custody of the authorities, further steps will be taken to ensure the animal’s well-being and determine an appropriate course of action moving forward.