Tiger movement reported in Kothagudem’s Allapalli forest range

Forest officials have reported the movement of a tiger cub in the Allapalli forest range after pugmarks were found during patrolling. Authorities have stepped up surveillance and advised the public to avoid forest areas and remain alert

Kothagudem: Tiger movement has been reported in the Allapalli forest range in Allapalli mandal in the district.

Allapalli Forest Range Officer Kiran Kumar, in a statement on Saturday, said that the tiger movement was confirmed based on clear pugmarks recorded during field patrolling in Chinthalagumpu (E) beat and towards the southern side in the direction of Ananthogu beat.

---

As per preliminary analysis, the movement was assessed to be that of a tiger cub. The forest department has taken up intensive combing operations, continuous ground tracking and round-the-clock patrolling to monitor the tiger movement, he said.

All adjoining beats have been placed on high alert. At present, the movement was within forest limits. However, as a strong precautionary measure, the public was strictly advised to avoid entering forest areas until further notice and not to take cattle to graze inside deep forest areas.

The villagers were cautioned to avoid moving alone near forest fringes, especially during early morning and evening hours. In case of any sighting of a tiger or animal movement signs, the forest department should be informed immediately, Kiran Kumar said.

There was no need to panic, but strict caution and vigilance must be maintained. The forest department was fully alert and the frontline staff were continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of both the public and wildlife, he added.