Explained: Why is a tiger roaming Yadadri Bhongir district?

A wildlife expert has explained that the tiger roaming Yadadri Bhuvanagiri is a dispersing sub adult searching for territory or a mate. The animal is believed to have entered Telangana from Maharashtra and moved across several districts

Hyderabad: Why is the tiger wandering in Yadadri Bhongir for the last few days? According to a wildlife expert who is tracking its movement, the tiger could be trying to establish its own territory or could be in search of a mate.

“It is a dispersing sub adult tiger, meaning a young, typically male, that has left its natal area in search of a new territory. This behaviour is a natural and critical life-history trait for tigers. Often, males leave their birthplace to find mates and establish their own territory, avoiding competition with their parents or siblings. Females usually stay closer to their birthplace,” the expert said.

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Big cats usually start to disperse when they are around 18 months to 3 years old. The tiger wandering in Yadadri Bhongir is aged around five years and is believed to have crossed into Telangana from the adjoining Maharashtra reserve forest a few months ago.

From there, it moved into Adilabad, KB Asifabad, Mulugu, Karimnagar, Jagityal and Siddipet before reaching Yadadri Bhongir. “It tried to head towards the Ramagundam forest but, due to mining activity there, returned to Siddipet and Yadadri Bhongir . It is trying to move towards the south but is apparently unable to find a proper track,” the expert explained.

Dispersing tigers often move through non-forest landscapes such as agricultural fields and must cross barriers like roads and rivers, making them more vulnerable to poaching or conflict with humans. “At best, steps can be taken to prevent animal-human conflict,” he added.