Tiger pug marks spotted in Kothagudem forests, villagers cautioned

Villagers in Karakagudem, Allapalli and Gundala mandals spotted the tiger pug marks and reported the same to forest officials.

Khammam: The pug marks of an elusive tiger have been found in the forests of Kothagudem district raising alarm among officials and residents of habitations on forest fringes.

According to sources, villagers in Karakagudem, Allapalli and Gundala mandals spotted the tiger pug marks and reported the same to forest officials. The officials have started efforts to track the movement of the animal.

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A buffalo belonging to Komaram Satyanarayana, a farmer of Patur village under Markodu gram panchayat  in Allapalli mandal in the district, was reportedly killed by the tiger on Saturday.

Speaking to Telangana Today, the District Forest Officer Ranjith Naik confirmed reports about tiger pug marks being found in the forests in and around Gundala mandal. Though the pug marks were found, the movement of the animal was not recorded by camera traps set up in the forests.

He further stated that the wildlife officials were yet to ascertain whether the tiger whose pug marks were recently found in the neighbouring Mahabubabad district, moved into Kothagudem district or there were parallel reports about the animal’s movements.

“We are monitoring the situation and cautioned villagers not to venture into forests during nights”, he said, adding if there were any cattle killings in the district, the forest department would pay proper compensation to the cattle owners.

The forest officials have also advised the villagers and tribals in the forests not to set up any animal traps or cause any hindrance to the movement of the tiger.

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