Tiger T-122 Captured After Three Weeks of Evasion in Chandrapur
The elusive tiger T-122, responsible for multiple attacks on villagers, was successfully captured using a novel enclosure design.
Tiger T-122 killed three villagers and injured another before capture.
A specially designed 30 x 30-foot enclosure was used for the first successful trapping in 25 years.
The innovative capture method may be utilized in future operations across conflict-prone areas.
In a significant breakthrough for wildlife management, tiger T-122, which had evaded capture for nearly three weeks, was successfully trapped on Saturday in the Samda forest of Saoli taluka, Chandrapur. This tiger was notorious for killing three villagers and injuring another in recent months, causing widespread fear among local residents.
The operation to capture T-122 commenced on September 27, following a series of attacks that terrorized communities in Samda, Nilasni, Pedgaon, Sonapur, and Wagholi-Buti. The 30 x 30-foot enclosure was strategically placed deep within the forest to lure the elusive tiger. Unlike traditional traps, this innovative structure was designed to minimize human presence and blend seamlessly into the environment, which helped prevent the tiger from sensing danger.
After successfully entering the enclosure, the tiger was tranquilized by the rapid response unit of the Chandrapur forest division and subsequently relocated for a thorough physical examination. The operation was overseen by Ranjan Talmale, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Chandrapur division. This marked the first successful trapping of a tiger using such an enclosure in 25 years, providing much-needed relief to the frightened villagers.
The capture of T-122 not only alleviates immediate concerns for the local populace but also represents a potential shift in wildlife capture strategies. The enclosure can be dismantled and transported, allowing for its use in other areas facing similar human-wildlife conflict. This adaptability could enhance the effectiveness of future wildlife management efforts.
Looking ahead, forest officials are optimistic that this innovative approach will lead to more successful captures of problematic wildlife, thereby ensuring the safety of both humans and animals in the region. The successful operation has set a precedent for future wildlife management practices in conflict-prone areas across Maharashtra.
