Combing operations have been launched in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) near here ahead of the monsoon season. The objective is to prevent criminal elements from using the rains as a cover to poach tigers, cultivate ganja or smuggle sandalwood.
The operation has acquired a sense of urgency now as the number of tiger sightings had increased in the Valparai region recently, Rajiv K. Srivastava, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of ATR, told The Hindu on Tuesday.
A total of ten teams, each comprising between six and ten personnel, have been constituted for the purpose. Temporary ‘floating camps’ would also be established deep inside the forests. These mobile camps will enable the forest personnel to patrol specific areas by staying in the location for one or two days. These camps were in addition to the existing 23 permanent anti-poaching camps located in ATR.
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The ATR spanned 958 sq.km. spread across the six ranges of Pollachi, Valparai, Manomboly and Valparai, located in Coimbatore district, besides Amaravathy and Udumalpet ranges, which are in Tirupur district.
The rainfall increases the lower vegetation growth in the forest area hampering visibility. To prevent poachers from exploiting this situation, the tiger reserve had been divided into least vulnerable, most vulnerable and vulnerable areas and patrolling stepped up accordingly, he said.
The ATR was also in the process of doubling the number of camera traps from the present 150 besides installing five surveillance cameras, of which there was only one now.
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The Field Director said that the injured leopard, found in Valparai recently, was responding to treatment and was consuming food. It is being treated at the Forest Rescue Centre at Rottikadai.
A team lead by forest department veterinarian N.S. Manoharan is administering treatment to the leopard. The veterinarians treating the animal suspect that it was wounded in a fight with a tiger. “We have installed a heater as it is becoming cold in recent days. However, its hind legs are severely injured and it still cannot hunt on its own.”
Two leopards were spotted near the rescue centre recently. Probably, they smelt the presence of a leopard inside. Forest department personnel were watching over the leopard round-the-clock, Mr. Srivastava added.