Two surveillance cameras installed at Koviltheri beat of Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) to capture the movement of big cats are missing.
Subsequently, forest officials of KMTR’s Mundanthurai division have launched a search around the Koviltheri beat under Papanasam Range, which is situated about 7 km from the periphery of the forest, to locate the missing cameras.
To monitor the movements of animals, especially tigers, and ascertain the exact number of big cats inside the sanctuary, the Mundanthurai division had fitted 60 pairs of surveillance cameras in various parts of the jungle, including evergreen forests. Data recorded in these surveillance cameras are collected once in 45 days and analysed by experts.
When the forest personnel visited Koviltheri beat mid-May to collect data from the ‘electronic eyes’ fitted deep inside the jungle in February, two of them were found missing. A search is on to locate the missing surveillance cameras as wild animals, especially elephants, used to damage or remove the cameras from their original position.
“We’ve had the history of elephants damaging surveillance cameras installed deep inside the forest. Hence, we’re searching for the missing cameras and hopefully will locate them soon,” said Kanchana, Deputy Director, KMTR’s Mundanthurai Division.
She ruled out the possibility of any foul play in this episode as the place where the cameras had been fitted is far off from the periphery. “Except our forest personnel, none can visit these prohibited zones and hence there is no chance of outsiders either damaging or stealing the surveillance cameras,” Ms. Kanchana said.
