Possible leopard, tiger movement in foothills of Western Ghats

Theni forest division has distributed pamphlets to farmers

CUMBUM

The Theni forest division has recently distributed pamphlets to farmers owning farmlands abutting the Western Ghats in Cumbum west range on possible leopard and tiger movement in the foothills.

They have been warned not to venture out or stay in the farms at night and the people have been asked to avoid the outdoors after dark.

“We have got some indirect signs and sightings of a suspected leopard movement in the area, recently. For instance, the monkey population in the pocket has moved away suddenly. Earlier, there have been instances of leopard movement in the range. So, in order to give a prior intimation to the public and to mitigate or prevent any possible untoward incidents, the notice has been given,” said Theni District Forest Officer S. Gautham.

Areas, including Kazhuthai Mottai, Perumal Kovil, Kongachiparai, Kalludaichan Parai, Ekaloothu, Aatukaran Parai and Aruval Theeti Parai under the Kombai, Machakkal and Suranganar Reserve Forests, have been mentioned in the notice.

The Cumbum west range shares a tri-junction border with Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Gudalur range and hence, there are also chances of tigers, say conservations. However, officials said that though it is a tiger corridor as per studies and records, recent sightings or occurrences of the big cat have not happened.

“Leopards unlike tigers are not shy animals and can adapt well to places with human presence or movement. A couple of years ago, a leopard was regularly sighted near Kailasanathar Temple in Periyakulam and was later captured and relocated as people were scared of it,” said a conservationist in Theni.

“There’s nothing to panic about the notice as it is only for the people to be cautious. Foot patrols during the day and vehicle patrols during the night have been stepped up,” said the DFO.