Chandrapur Forest Department Constructs 30x30-Foot Tiger Trap
A unique enclosure has been set up in Chandrapur to capture a tiger linked to multiple attacks on humans.
A 30x30-foot enclosure aims to trap tiger T-122, suspected of killing three people.
The Forest Department has employed advanced surveillance methods to monitor the tiger's movements.
This initiative marks a novel approach in Maharashtra to safely capture elusive tigers.
In a significant move to capture a dangerous tiger, the Forest Department has constructed a 30x30-foot walk-in enclosure in the Samda forest of Saoli taluka, Chandrapur district. This innovative setup is designed to lure the elusive T-122, which is believed to be responsible for three fatalities and a serious injury over the past two months. Traditional capture methods have repeatedly failed, prompting officials to adopt this unconventional strategy aimed at minimizing human presence while enticing the tiger into the trap.
The tiger T-122 has been under surveillance since September 27, with forest teams tracking its movements for approximately 22 days. Despite extensive efforts, including attempts to tranquilize the animal, T-122 has managed to evade capture by detecting human activity and altering its route. The challenge lies not only in locating the tiger but also in encouraging it to enter the trap without perceiving any threat, as adult tigers are known for their wariness and acute senses.
The Forest Department's new enclosure is equipped with a solar-powered CCTV camera and provisions for live bait, designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. This approach aims to create a sense of safety for the tiger, increasing the chances of it entering the trap. Alongside this, the department has deployed nine 'Garuda' CCTV cameras, 20 trap cameras, and three live-feed cameras to monitor the area continuously. A dedicated team of 60 personnel is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to ensure the operation's success.
Divisional Forest Officer Ranjan Talmale highlighted that this initiative is a pioneering effort in Maharashtra, with the enclosure being portable for future use if successful. The effectiveness of this operation hinges on the tiger's willingness to enter the enclosure without recognizing the inherent risks. In parallel, the Forest Department is enhancing surveillance through AI-enabled cameras and conducting regular patrols to mitigate further human-tiger conflicts in nearby villages.
As the operation progresses, officials remain hopeful that this innovative method will lead to the safe capture of T-122, thereby reducing the threat to local communities and ensuring the tiger's safety. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to monitor and adapt strategies as necessary to achieve a successful outcome.
