THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan 6: Tigers are known to instinctively retrace the paths once traversed by their ancestors, establishing a deep and enduring connection to their heritage. The Garhwa South Forest Division, steeped in history, has long been a haven for tigers, with evidence of their habitation spanning centuries.
In 2023, tigers from the Palamu Tiger Reserve began venturing into the forests of Garhwa, reviving ancient trails and reaffirming the region’s historical link to these majestic creatures.
Proximity to Palamu Tiger Reserve
The South Forest Division of Garhwa is closely linked to the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), which explains the tiger’s movement into the area. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) South, Ebin Benny Abraham, remarked, “Garhwa’s South Forest Division has hosted tigers in the distant past, so their presence here today is not unusual.”
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story, Abraham explained, “The South Forest Division shares a geographical boundary with the Palamu Tiger Reserve, particularly in its Kutku range, which is near Garhwa’s forests.”
He noted that tigers are territorial creatures and prefer their home ranges. “A robust tiger can traverse up to 100 square kilometres, as movement is inherent to its nature,” Abraham added.
When asked if Garhwa’s forests might offer a calmer habitat compared to PTR, Abraham clarified, “The South Forest Division is not an inviolate area. These forests are interspersed with human settlements, so they cannot be considered completely quiet or undisturbed.”
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Identifying and Monitoring the Garhwa Tiger
When questioned about the absence of camera traps to monitor the tiger, Abraham acknowledged the situation, stating, “Camera traps are typically installed where tigers routinely move. Here, the tiger’s movement is unpredictable, and it’s difficult to determine which forest paths it might use.”
Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Palamu Tiger Reserve, Kumar Ashutosh, emphasized the importance of identifying the tiger. He explained, “Capturing images of the tiger’s stripes is crucial to ascertain whether it belongs to PTR or is a new entrant. Each tiger has a unique stripe pattern, which acts as its natural fingerprint.”
Ashutosh also noted that pugmarks in the area suggest the Garhwa tiger is male. Regarding the tiger’s safety, he assured, “Comprehensive security measures are in place,” but refrained from elaborating further.
Interim Compensation for Cattle Owners
In the meantime, interim compensation has been provided to cattle owners whose livestock fell prey to the tiger.
DFO Abraham stated, “Buffaloes have been targeted more than oxen. Full compensation will be disbursed once the required procedures are completed, and our team is working on this promptly.”
He also mentioned efforts to involve local communities through village forest committees, saying, “Some committees are actively engaged, but many are yet to step up.”
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Concerns Over Illicit Weapons
A major concern in the region is the presence of illicit firearms, locally referred to as Bharathuwa Bandook. These illegal weapons pose a potential threat, especially in areas where the tiger has been sighted.
“We are aware of this issue,” Abraham said. “However, we trust villagers will not resort to harmful actions. We are receiving their cooperation.”
He further reassured, “Our forest team is working closely with villagers to ensure their safety as well as the tiger’s. We are fully committed to protecting both human lives and wildlife.”
