We will capture T23 tiger 'alive', says TN's Chief Wildlife Warden

Shekhar Kumar Niraj, Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu, said four teams, equipped with drones, darters, scanners, have been deployed in the area to capture the big cat.

Nilgiris(Tamil Nadu): State's Chief Wildlife Warden Shekhar Kumar Niraj, in an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, spoke on the measures adopted to capture the carnivore 'alive'.

"Since September 24, we have been trying to capture the problematic T23 tiger. We did not succeed in capturing it so far. But we came close to it in the Gudalur area. From October 1, we have been increasing the number of teams, experts, sniffer dogs," said Niraj. Owing to its nature, capturing a tiger is very difficult...We have been collecting, analysing data and immediately taking decisions, he added.

"Everyday morning, we start monitoring using different types of drones, scanners. The big cat's presence was detected first in the Singara area. We have made four machans (a platform erected in a tree) with three experts in each. It is also equipped with darter for tranquillization, as well as tracker and food," said Niraj.

"Four teams are deployed in different areas. Scientifically collecting and analysing its data including pugmarks, the scent of urine, animal's alarm calls, like that of langur, deer, nearby cattle is one of the key strategies. After encircling the location, teams will be moved to that area. Rapid Response Team have been readied with armours. It is a swift carnivore and less time will be left for the darting movement. One needs to be cautious also, to protect oneself and in the midst of that prediction will be difficult," added Niraj.

While the T23 tiger lurks in the Nilgiris forest area, the forest department officials remain vigilant and alert to capture the big cat which has killed four people so far.

The forest department officials are going all out to capture the tiger. Equipped with drones, darter, experts have encircled the tiger zone. The Madras High Court also pressed on not to kill the tiger, but capture it. Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee in his order said, "...the wanted tiger may not be a man-eater. Don't kill it. Capture the tiger alive without disturbing other animals."

The hunt to capture the tiger - T23 goes on for more than 11 days. The human-wild animal conflict has become a frequent issue in this zone. After the death of the fourth person, Masingudi villagers hit the roads and led a protest to capture the tiger or kill the big cat.

People blocked the road for more than three hours. Following the developments, Tamil Nadu Chief Wildlife Warden Shekhar Kumar Niraj issued an order to hunt down T23 and formed five special teams for the operation. Many wildlife activists across the country raised their concern over the orders to kill T-23 and urged the department to capture it alive at any cost.