In a rare and ecologically significant development, the Jharkhand Forest Department has reported possible tiger presence in Khunti district after discovering footprints and signs of cattle attacks in the Taarup forest area. This has led to a wave of concern among locals and wildlife officials alike, with potential implications for human-wildlife conflict and biodiversity conservation.
Tiger Presence in Khunti
The suspected tiger movement has been recorded in Taarup forest in the Khunti district, located near core tribal belts and moderate forest cover. The area is not a known tiger habitat, making the observation both surprising and ecologically significant.
Location Facts:
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Forest is situated near Khunti-Gumla boundary
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Area has dense sal forests and prey species like deer and cattle
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Villages nearby rely on cattle grazing and forest produce
Evidence & Investigations Underway
According to reports from ETV Bharat and The Avenue Mail, forest patrols found tiger-like footprints and remains of slaughtered bulls, suspected to be tiger kills.
Current Investigation Status:
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πΎ Pugmarks being studied by wildlife experts
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π· Camera traps being installed for photo confirmation
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π§ͺ Scat and hair samples being collected for DNA testing
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π« No direct tiger sightings by humans so far
The department has not yet officially declared the tigerβs presence but has escalated vigilance and monitoring.
Forest Department Response and Safety Measures
In light of the findings, the Forest Department has issued advisories to local villagers and initiated awareness campaigns.
Measures Taken:
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π’ Loudspeaker alerts in villages
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π« Advisories against entering forest during early morning and late evening
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π¨βπΎ Cattle herding cautions issued
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πΏ Deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) for tracking and mitigation
If confirmed, the presence of a tiger could place Khunti on the map of Jharkhandβs wildlife corridors, increasing the urgency for conservation planning and conflict prevention.
π§ Points to Remember
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π― Suspected tiger presence in Taarup forest, Khunti district.
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π£ Evidence includes footprints and dead cattle.
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π Forest department investigating using camera traps and DNA sampling.
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β οΈ Precautionary advisories issued to local villagers.
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π Event raises critical issues of conservation and human-wildlife conflict.
