THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan 4: The Garhwa South Forest Division is currently in the spotlight, with the entire district abuzz due to reports of a tiger sighting. Some villagers have claimed to have seen the tiger, sparking a flurry of activity in the area.
Officials seek concrete proof of tiger’s presence
Forest officials, however, are seeking more concrete evidence before confirming the presence of the tiger. While acknowledging the villagers’ reports, they emphasize the need for tangible proof, such as pug marks, to validate the claims.
Pug marks are considered crucial in tracking a tiger’s movements. Their presence increases the likelihood of finding scat, which further helps in confirming the tiger’s trail. Despite intense efforts, officials in the Garhwa South Forest Division have yet to find any pug marks near the kill site or by nearby water bodies, making it challenging to trace the tiger’s path.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), South Division, Ebin Benny Abraham however said, “We haven’t found pug marks near the kills but we did discover pug marks quite far away from the site of the kill.”
Abraham chose not to disclose the locations of the kills or the specific area where pug marks were found, emphasising that the tiger’s safety is of paramount importance.
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However, there are kills that suggest the prowling of the tiger in the south division. The Jharkhand Story maintaining its policy for the safety and security of the tiger is refraining from giving any hint of the location of the tiger except that the south forest division of Garhwa is doing a judicious monitoring of the kill by the tiger at the moment.
Two confirmed kills by the tiger
Two kills have been discovered, both are confirmed to have been made by the tiger. One of the kills was abandoned by the tiger, as it did not consume it. The second kill appeared to have been dragged away, likely by the tiger, to keep it hidden for itself. The cattle owner was unable to find any remains, as the tiger had concealed the kill.
The DFO south division of Garhwa said, “We are yet to get pug marks and scat of the tiger near the kills. There are eye accounts for its sightings by the villagers. But we need to be assured. We are pulling all stops to discover the pug marks near the kills.”
About the prey, Abraham said, “The kills are of the tiger. The nature and place of attack is indicative of tiger pounding the cattle.”
Are the cattle owners angry over the loss of their livestock? Abraham said, ” No. There is no anger. They’re assured of the compensation. We have initiated the compensation process.”
About any element of scare or panic, Abraham said, “Our men are out telling people to exercise caution. Avoid going to the forest as much as possible. No going to the forest after dark.”
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Precautionary measures
Entering the jungle early in the morning carries significant risks and should be avoided. The whereabouts of the big cat are unpredictable, and one can never know where it might be lurking.
Abraham maintained, “Our men are using local dialects to establish a rapport with the commoners. We are getting cooperation. We have urged people to inform forest officials in the event of any cattle being preyed by it or if there has been any eye sighting by them”.
The tiger that Garhwa South Division so talks about, has kept going in and out of the tiger reserve.
