ONGOLE: The recent attacks on cattle by a tiger in the Nagarajunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) have once again instilled fear among the residents of the forest fringe villages in Peddaraveedu mandal in Prakasam district. Forest Department officials have installed additional trap cameras to monitor tiger’s movements.
According to villages, two cows were attacked by a big cat on Tuesday, while they were grazing near the Gundamcherla-Katamraju temple area. One of the cows died as a result. Prior to this incident, several cattle, including four goats and three calves, had been preyed upon by big cats in the same vicinity.
Similarly, there were reports of big cat sightings in Lakshmipuram and Maguturu village areas of Ardhaveedu mandal a few months ago. Sriramulu Nayak, a cattle herder from Katamaraju Thanda in Peddaraveedu Mandal, reportedly went to the nearby forest to graze his cattle on Monday. Two of his cows were attacked and dragged into the bushed by the wild animal. Terrified, Nayak fled to the village to alert villagers.
Subsequently, one cow was found seriously injured, and the other was discovered dead in the bushes. Forest department officials were notified and arrived at the scene. Based on the evidence, including footprints resembling tiger pug marks captured by trap cameras, it was confirmed to be a big cat attack.
The officials advised villagers to avoid venturing into deep forest areas alone, especially in the evenings, and promised compensation to affected cattle owners.
NSTR Markapur Deputy Director Vignesh Appavu, “Based on trap camera images and physical examinations of the cows, we have confirmed it was a big cat attack. We have ensured water sources in the NSTR are filled and provided adequate food for big cats. It is likely that the two cows had entered the buffer zone of the NSTR.