Nilgiris, Aug 23 — The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified efforts to capture a male tiger believed to have killed two people at Lauriston in O-Valley town panchayat near Gudalur, declaring the animal a man-eater after evidence showed that it had consumed parts of its latest victim.
The tiger, estimated to be eight to 10 years old, is suspected of killing K. Ravikumar, whose body was recovered around 2 p.m. on Friday, nearly 200 metres from his house.
The attack followed the death of M. Balakrishnan, 58, of Field 4 in Lauriston Estate, whose partially consumed remains were found on August 9.
Gudalur District Forest Officer P. Devaraj said the nature of the injuries and the consumption of body parts led officials to classify the tiger as a man-eater. Forest personnel also believe the same animal was responsible for both deaths, as pugmarks collected from the two locations were similar.
Six cages containing live bait have been positioned along routes likely to be used by the tiger, including areas close to the attack sites.
Four specialised teams have been deployed for the operation. Two seven-member teams are tracking the animal on foot by examining pugmarks, scat and other signs, while two additional teams are using drones to monitor its movements.
Each ground team has been provided with a firearm and protective equipment. Forest sources said the tiger would be tranquilised and captured wherever possible. However, personnel may be forced to shoot it if it charges and poses an imminent threat to human life.
Officials have not yet been able to determine the tiger’s health from camera-trap images.
A reliable assessment can be made only after it is captured and examined by a veterinarian, Devaraj said.
A decision on whether to transfer the animal to Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur or send it for treatment to the Wildlife Transit and Treatment Centre at Pethikuttai in Sirumugai will be taken after obtaining approval from Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra.
As a precaution, estate management has been asked to suspend work for several more days in areas where tiger movement is suspected. Forest personnel are also advising residents to remain indoors at night and avoid entering plantations or forested areas until the capture operation is completed.