NTCA team arriving to decide fate of straying tiger, may relocate it in Satkosia

The two-member committee appointed by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for making site appraisal in Satkosia to facilitate relocation of the straying tiger is set to arrive here on Monday. The team, comprising Assistant Inspector General Dr Bilal Habib and Wildlife Institute of India Scientist Parag Nigam, will take stock of the habitat at Satkosia which is believed to be the home of the five-year-old tiger, currently in Nandankanan Zoological Park’s White Tiger Safari. “We have information that the two-member team will reach here on July 1 or maybe a day later,” sources in the Wildlife Wing said. On June 6, the NTCA had ordered that the five-year-old tiger should be released into the wild in Satkosia after radio collaring. The national authority had also sought a post-release monitoring protocol to be put in place for which it will provide funding support. The team will visit Satkosia, a low density tiger reserve, to make an inspection of the probable sites where the tiger could be relocated. It will also assess the conflict issues since male tigers are extremely territorial in nature. Besides, relocation sites have to be taken into consideration on basis of their proximity to human habitations to avoid any man-animal conflict. In fact, the NTCA has made it clear that it will fund the radio collaring and subsequent post-release protocol. The national body has a whole laid down procedure to prevent any conflict situation arising out of straying of wild tigers. Chief Wildlife Warden J D Sharma, vested with the power to decide the tiger’s fate, had said that he would wait for the advice of the NTCA team members and take a call which is in the “best interest of the carnivore as well as the people.” The five-year-old male tiger, which has been in Chandaka forests and in the vicinity of Nandankanan, also a wildlife sanctuary, had entered the zoo’s safari on April 30. A month later, with its fate hanging in the balance and no action taken by the Wildlife Wing, the zoo authorities had moved it to an enclosure. The same day, on May 31, it scaled the 18 feet iron mesh wall of the enclosure and freed itself. About a week back, it returned again and is back in the safari. In case relocation is recommended by the NTCA, it will also discuss capture of the tiger which requires immobilisation. The relocation, strongly advocated by wildlife activists, may trigger protest from adjoining local villagers who have been seeking that the predator be kept in captivity at the zoo. On June 6, the NTCA had ordered that the five-year-old tiger should be released into the wild in Satkosia after radio collaring. The relocation may trigger protest from adjoining local villagers who have been seeking that the predator be kept in captivity at the zoo. The team will visit Satkosia, a low density tiger reserve, to make an inspection of the probable sites where the tiger could be relocated. In case relocation is recommended by the NTCA, it will also discuss capture of the tiger which requires immobilisation. http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/NTCA-team-arriving-to-decide-fate-of-straying-tiger-may-relocate-it-in-Satkosia/2013/07/01/article1661809.ece

Big cat from Palamu Tiger Reserve strays into non-reserve area

TNN | Jul 1, 2013, 05.10 AM IST DALTONGANJ: A big cat from the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has strayed into a non-tiger reserve area. Sources said, its presence in the area has made him vulnerable to potential threat from outsiders The tiger first crossed the Koyal river, which had very little water a couple of days ago. The tiger migrated from Kumandi (Kumandi is under the tiger reserve) to Saryu ( a non-tiger reserve). PTR field director S E H Kazmi said the divisional forest officer (core) of this reserve P Anand has informed him about the tiger straying into a non-tiger reserve area. Pug marks were found on both sides of the Koyal river. A wild animal, especially a tiger or a leopard in a non-reserve area, is exposed to various threats, inlcuding the threat to its life. As and when it preys, it ltriggers hostility among the livestock feed owner. Asked if strayed elephants can be controlled and brought back to normal track, why not tigers, the field director said, "Here there is no mechanisn as such to tame or put back any migrated or strayed tiger on its old trodden path or area." Responding to a query about whether the tiger will go hunting for a man if it fails to find a prey, Kazmi said, "Palamu Tiger Reserve doesn't have a history of a tiger eating a man since the year of its inception 1974. There have been a couple of incidents when a tiger has mauled some persons but not eaten up anyone here. Man-tiger directconfrontation is unheard of here." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Big-cat-from-Palamu-Tiger-Reserve-strays-into-non-reserve-area/articleshow/20852261.cms

Madhya Pradesh confident of reclaiming its 'tiger state' tag in next census: State forest minister

Bagish K Jha, TNN | Jun 27, 2013, 07.15 PM IST According to the last tiger census, there were only 257 tigers left in Madhya Pradesh's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench. RELATED Portion of wall in Vidhana Soudha allegedly demolished by forest mini...​Madhya Pradesh tigers to head for Sariska sanctuaryHC issues notice to state forest ministerImplement social security schemes promptly: Forest ministerMadhya Pradesh unsuitable for big cats: Study INDORE: Madhya Pradesh that is in loggerhead with Gujarat over translocation of lions is now confident to reclaim its 'tiger state' tag in the next census. Forest minister of Madhya Pradesh Sartaj Singh on Thursday said numbers of tigers have increased significantly and state is all set to emerge number one in terms of tigers. Minister claims that he is getting reports of encouraging increase in number of tigers at Panna and Kanha Tiger reservers, the number of tiger cubs in other reserves across the state is also looking up. He further said total number of tigers in state might go close to 300 in next census. According to the last tiger census there were only 257 tigers left in the state's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench. Minister said they had objected to the figures last census released by WII and National Tiger Conservation Authourity (NTCA). He said that WII and NTCA had admitted their mistake after conducting re-counting in Kanha Tiger Reserve. "But they said figure can not be changed now after it being released," said Singh adding that even the figure of 300 tiger in Karnataka was not correct. So they are very confident about reclaiming tag of 'tiger state'. On the allegation of poaching being one the main reason behind decline in number of tigers, minister said Madhya Pradesh was at number four in terms of tiger death in 2012. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttarakhand are leading the list. Last year nearly 12 tigers died many of them died natural deaths or accidents because most of the cases carcases were found. He added that poachers do not leave body behind. An NGO has submitted its report to Gujarat forest department that has stated that lions should not be translocated to Kuno as Madhya Pardesh is known to be a major poaching ground and the state has lost 453 tigers out of 710 (63% loss) in a decade. The state as per the 2011 census has only 257 tigers. The loss of tiger in Madhya Pradesh was 50 per cent of the total loss of the tigers across the world. Minister said these figures are inflated and they object it in SC. "We have one very basic argument one species should be restrict to only one geographical area. So lion should be translocated to other area and several surveys were done before finalising Kuno as second home of lion," said minister. Minister said to oppose translocation NGO report has calimed that Sheopur district has 4800 fire arm licenses for a population of six lakh and the sanctuary area was once a hub of dacoits from Chambal. "First there is need to cross check the statistics of report, second does it mean that everyone with gun license is waiting with their gun to kill lion," said minister. He further said concentration of one species at one place is good for that particular species. "For this very purpose we are translocating Barasingha from Kanha to Satpura," said minister. Right now Barashinga are only at Kanha forest department want to spread it to other areas also. It applies on lion too. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Madhya-Pradesh-confident-of-reclaiming-its-tiger-state-tag-in-next-census-State-forest-minister/articleshow/20799570.cms

Madhya Pradesh confident of reclaiming its 'tiger state' tag in next census: State forest minister

Bagish K Jha, TNN | Jun 27, 2013, 07.15 PM IST According to the last tiger census, there were only 257 tigers left in Madhya Pradesh's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench. RELATED Portion of wall in Vidhana Soudha allegedly demolished by forest mini...​Madhya Pradesh tigers to head for Sariska sanctuaryHC issues notice to state forest ministerImplement social security schemes promptly: Forest ministerMadhya Pradesh unsuitable for big cats: Study INDORE: Madhya Pradesh that is in loggerhead with Gujarat over translocation of lions is now confident to reclaim its 'tiger state' tag in the next census. Forest minister of Madhya Pradesh Sartaj Singh on Thursday said numbers of tigers have increased significantly and state is all set to emerge number one in terms of tigers. Minister claims that he is getting reports of encouraging increase in number of tigers at Panna and Kanha Tiger reservers, the number of tiger cubs in other reserves across the state is also looking up. He further said total number of tigers in state might go close to 300 in next census. According to the last tiger census there were only 257 tigers left in the state's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench. Minister said they had objected to the figures last census released by WII and National Tiger Conservation Authourity (NTCA). He said that WII and NTCA had admitted their mistake after conducting re-counting in Kanha Tiger Reserve. "But they said figure can not be changed now after it being released," said Singh adding that even the figure of 300 tiger in Karnataka was not correct. So they are very confident about reclaiming tag of 'tiger state'. On the allegation of poaching being one the main reason behind decline in number of tigers, minister said Madhya Pradesh was at number four in terms of tiger death in 2012. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttarakhand are leading the list. Last year nearly 12 tigers died many of them died natural deaths or accidents because most of the cases carcases were found. He added that poachers do not leave body behind. An NGO has submitted its report to Gujarat forest department that has stated that lions should not be translocated to Kuno as Madhya Pardesh is known to be a major poaching ground and the state has lost 453 tigers out of 710 (63% loss) in a decade. The state as per the 2011 census has only 257 tigers. The loss of tiger in Madhya Pradesh was 50 per cent of the total loss of the tigers across the world. Minister said these figures are inflated and they object it in SC. "We have one very basic argument one species should be restrict to only one geographical area. So lion should be translocated to other area and several surveys were done before finalising Kuno as second home of lion," said minister. Minister said to oppose translocation NGO report has calimed that Sheopur district has 4800 fire arm licenses for a population of six lakh and the sanctuary area was once a hub of dacoits from Chambal. "First there is need to cross check the statistics of report, second does it mean that everyone with gun license is waiting with their gun to kill lion," said minister. He further said concentration of one species at one place is good for that particular species. "For this very purpose we are translocating Barasingha from Kanha to Satpura," said minister. Right now Barashinga are only at Kanha forest department want to spread it to other areas also. It applies on lion too. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Madhya-Pradesh-confident-of-reclaiming-its-tiger-state-tag-in-next-census-State-forest-minister/articleshow/20799570.cms

Unhappy with non-compliance, IG calls off tiger cell meet

Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jun 28, 2013, 01.27 AM IST NAGPUR: The 15th divisional tiger cell meeting called on Thursday in the backdrop of a series of tiger poaching cases in the region ended abruptly after Rajendra Singh, the special inspector general (Nagpur Zone) who is also chairman of the cell, expressed displeasure over non-compliance of wildlife related issues by the forest department. The meeting started at 3.35pm at Van Sabhagruha. When minutes of the last meeting in February were being read out by PK Mahajan, the member-secretary of the cell and Nagpur deputy conservator of forests (DyCF), Singh sought information on action taken on covering of open wells, data on patrolling, creation of paths near electric lines etc. But the forest officials remained mum. Hence, a displeased Singh called off the meeting. All SPs, forest officials and their representatives from five districts and NGOs were present. "These are internal matters which I cannot tell you," was all Singh told TOI. Admitting that the deadline of July 30 has been set to comply with decisions taken in earlier meetings, Mahajan said that the meeting did not proceed. The next meeting will be held in the first week of August. FCR for 2 poachers till July 3 Tiger poachers Barsul and Yarlen, who were arrested by Jabalpur forest officials and brought here on Tuesday, were granted forest custody remand (FCR) until July 3 by a JMFC on Thursday. Badlu, Chika and Siri, the other poachers, are already under MCR till July 3. Badlu (Mamru), one the three arrested poachers for killing a tiger in East Melghat, in his statement had said that Barsul was involved in killing a tiger in Akot wildlife division. But Melghat wildlife officials have denied poaching in their area. The JMFC denied permission to hand over the poaching case to Melghat owing to technical reasons. A senior magistrate will have to take a decision on this. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Unhappy-with-non-compliance-IG-calls-off-tiger-cell-meet/articleshow/20806032.cms

Tiger's body parts found from sarpanch's house

Hitesh Chavda, TNN | Jun 28, 2013, 04.28 AM IST NADIAD: The state forest department officials recovered body parts of tiger from former sarpanch of Kadi village in Mahuda taluka on Thursday. The officials impersonated as potential customers to catch the sarpanch after forest conversator PK Raval got a tip-off about three weeks back. Raval first contacted the sarpanch Jashu Patel on June 12 as a customer and agreed to buy tiger's skin and other body parts for Rs. 3.5 lakh. Patel was caught in possession of tiger's skin, head, nails and teeth. The operation was carried with the help of local police. A case has been registered against Patel under the Wildlife Act. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/Tigers-body-parts-found-from-sarpanchs-house/articleshow/20807801.cms

Two tiger poachers nabbed, confess to killing five tigers in Melghat

Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jun 10, 2013, 02.06 AM IST The two, who were nabbed from Mansar, are part of a 30-member gang, which claims to have killed five tigers in the region over the last one month and sold tiger skins to a trader in North India. RELATED Sunderbans has more tigers than official estimateRiver dolphin pair gives birth to calf in HooghlySeven booked for gamblingOne more gambling den busted NAGPUR: The local crime branch (LCB) has nabbed two tiger poachers belonging to the notorious Baheliya community. The two, who were nabbed from Mansar, are part of a 30-member gang, which claims to have killed five tigers in the region over the last one month and sold tiger skins to a trader in North India. The operation to nab the poachers was launched on May 30 based on a tip-off to Nagpur IG from New Delhi. Police nabbed the poachers on June 6 while they were finalizing a deal for a tiger skin. On June 7, the duo were handed over to the forest department, which is further investigating the matter, after obtaining custody of the duo till June 12. The poachers have been taken to Melghat, where the gang reportedly killed the tigers. Crime branch PI RM Pali, who took action under the guidance of rural SP MK Sharma, who is also chief of the district tiger cell, said the dreaded poachers have been identified as Badlu (18) and Chika (20), both hailing from Baheliya stronghold Katni. They are a part of a tiger poaching gang that supplies tiger parts and skins to international syndicates. "The poachers have told us that their gang killed five tigers in Vidarbha region over the last one month, and sold the skins and bones eight days ago. We intercepted the gang on the basis of call details records (CDRs) and Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) inputs. We nabbed them while they were striking a deal for a skin. No skins have been seized from them as yet," said Pali. Forest officials who did want to be quoted said the poachers also confessed to have killed a tiger in Mandla and Tumsar. Only a thorough probe would reveal from where the tigers were killed. Pali said even as the deal was being settled, the poachers smelled a trap. Chika tried to run away by jumping from the four-wheeler. He also jumped into a well to hide, but was pulled out after a dramatic chase by policemen. According to sources, WPSI had first alerted forest officials in December 2012. It had also sounded another alert for police and forest officials in April, but the gang members gave a slip to both police and foresters. On May 30, yet another alarm was raised, and this time police took no chances. Coincidentally, forest officials contacted one of phone numbers that came up during investigations, and it turned out to be that of a poacher. Forest officials also undertook a sting operation but failed. Finally, police nabbed the poachers. WPSI had sounded an alert on May 26 in Melghat. Based on this, officials had nabbed a poacher named Siri in Paratwada. Siri belongs to Baheliya community and is a member of a sister gang of tiger poachers. He is now in the custody of the forest department. The arrest of poachers exposes tall claims of tiger protection by forest officials and also reveals how tigers are still under a threat. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Two-tiger-poachers-nabbed-confess-to-killing-five-tigers-in-Melghat/articleshow/20513159.cms

Tiger found dead in Hingna range

Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jun 10, 2013, 02.12 AM IST Villagers poison leopard in South Umred RangeTrain speed to be restricted to 40km/hr in Gondia-Chandrapur sectorEnclosure plea for wild tigerSection 144 to protect straying tigersWild tiger caught in Nandankanan NAGPUR: Even as Nagpur forest division officials are grappling with leopard poisoning case in South Umred, a tiger was found dead in Hingna range on Sunday evening. This is the seventh tiger death in the state since January 2013. The forest staff has failed to learn lessons from the past. Unlike poaching of a full-grown male tiger in Deolapar range that went unnoticed for over a month by the field staff, the carcass of the tiger found on Sunday is suspected to be over 10 days old. However, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) for Nagpur PK Mahajan ruled out poaching. "All the body parts like nails and skin of the tiger are intact. Prima facie it looks the tiger must have died of old age," Mahajan said. He along with CCF SH Patil had rushed to the spot after learning about the incident. According to Mahajan, the putrefied carcass of a full-grown tiger was found around 4.15pm in reserve forest compartment number 301 in Borgaon beat. The spot is around 47km from Nagpur and 35km from the boundary of Bor Wildlife Sanctuary. According to Mahajan, there appears a crack in a tooth of the tiger. This is an indication of old age, he said adding that 40% of the skin has decomposed. The post mortem and other formalities like panchnama will be completed on Monday morning in the presence of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and chief wildlife warden's representatives. When sought to know about the delay in detecting the carcass, Mahajan admitted laxity on part of beat guard and van majoor, who could have easily discovered the tiger. "Both will face suspension," Mahajan said. On Saturday, beat guard and van majoor were suspended for negligence in poisoning of leopard in South Umred range. Earlier, in Deolapar tiger poaching case, forest guard and van majoor were suspended. However, no accountability has been fixed against range forest officers (RFOs) who are equally responsible for such incidents. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-found-dead-in-Hingna-range/articleshow/20513194.cms

Tiger freed at Red zone in MP, villagers attack officials

P Naveen, TNN | Apr 29, 2013, 02.45 PM IST Unmanned aerial vehicle base to be shifted to closer to Red corridor ...Tahsildar, 4 others hurt in tiger attackDid forest officials’ folly lead to Kerala tiger attack?Rhino calf killed by tigerMHA convenes meeting of Naxal-affected states BHOPAL: A tiger, which was locked into a room by a tribal woman after it strayed into her house in Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning was released near Loujhar ghati area — south Balaghat region, to save it from poachers. Hunters wont lay traps in this area, forest officials believe. Loujhar Ghati area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Roopjhar police station area is frequented by Maoists of Malajkhand Dalam, sources said. However, forest officials were attacked by angry villagers who wanted the tiger to be released in a distant area. Three persons, including retired ranger Niranjan Kumar Bisen, who volunteered help to the department in capturing the tiger, were injured after villagers resorted to stone-pelting. Police had to use mild lathicharge to disperse the mob. "They objected to the release of the tiger in forest area close to their village. I sustained injuries on my arms and two labourers sustained fatal wounds on their head," Bisen said. This was 53rd tiger he had captured. "At least poachers won't enter the area fearing Naxals," he said. The tiger had strayed into Nevargaon village close to the Pench-Kanha corridor in search of water, said forest officials. It entered into the house of Ishwar Nageshwar. When the tiger moved into a room, Ishwar's cousin Sangeeta Primal locked it from outside and ran out of her house with her three-year-old kid. Other members also woke up. The forest department was told about it. The tiger was into the room from 6 am to 5.30 pm till vets from the reserve tranquilized. Wildlife experts believe the tiger travelled several kilometres through the Red Corridor either for space and or prey-base shortage from the Nagzira sanctuary in Gondia (Maharashtra). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Tiger-freed-at-Red-zone-in-MP-villagers-attack-officials/articleshow/19780354.cms

Many parts of Similipal Tiger Reserve declared inviolate

Many parts of Similipal Tiger Reserve declared inviolate By Siba Mohanty - BHUBANESWAR 29th April 2013 09:01 AM Photos About 800 sq km to 1200 sq km of inviolate area is required for the survival and sustenance of nearly 20 breeding tigers, which will in turn can sustain 50 to 60 tigers in all on a sustainable basis. In a bid to provide the national animal and its cubs a safer and quieter habitat, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) management has declared several parts of the core area to be inviolate. Encouraged by sighting the big cats and their newborn cubs, the Upper Barahkamuda and Jenabil ranges have been declared no-go areas. Collection of minor forest produce and research activity has been prohibited. The STR has also banned vehicular movements after dusk, except on protection work. During the daytime, officials accompanied by STR staff can patrol the areas only in the vehicles belonging to the STR, Health, Police, Revenue Departments. Considering that tigers are overly-protective of their cubs and thus prefer isolated areas that are free from any external interference, the park management is maintaining a strong vigil and surveillance on the settlements in and around core areas of the big cat’s habitat. There are 68 villages within the STR which include three villages and two settlements in the core/critical area. As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, about 800 sq km to 1200 sq km of inviolate area is required for the survival and sustenance of nearly 20 breeding tigers, which will in turn can sustain 50 to 60 tigers in all on a sustainable basis. “Studies have shown that tigers have left the areas where new roads are created. Tigers also leave places with human presence. They need absolute inviolate area for breeding and growth. Visitors of tiger dens can create disastrous consequences for animals. The loss to species and their habitats after the 2009 Naxal attack was incalculable which has put them under stress. So, the need of the hour is to provide them the much-needed space,” said STR Field Director Anup Nayak. http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Many-parts-of-Similipal-Tiger-Reserve-declared-inviolate/2013/04/29/article1566146.ece

Ranthambore tiger strides 220km to MP

Anindo Dey & P Naveen, TNN | Apr 25, 2013, 05.57 AM IST The search for a home led a young male tiger from Ranthambore to travel through villages and agricultural fields, cross the Chambal river and 'settle' 220km away in a patch of forest in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. RELATED Withdraw cases against Hindus or face protest: Acharya Dharmendra to ...Madhya Pradesh MLA's daughter tortured by kinMadhya Pradesh rape accused nabbed in BhagalpurMadhya Pradesh minor girl's rapist arrestedDulux unveils Super Satin in Madhya Pradesh JAIPUR/GWALIOR: The search for a home led a young male tiger from Ranthambore to travel through villages and agricultural fields, cross the Chambal river and 'settle' 220km away in a patch of forest in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. This is the farthest any big cat from the national park is recorded to have travelled. The journey has been documented by Ranthambhore's deputy conservator of forest YK Sahu, field biologist Dharmendra Khandal (of tiger watch), and Ayan Sadhu, a junior research fellow at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. On March 14, the three-year-old tiger was found in Seoda range of Datia territorial forest division, a forest patch 55km in length and 11-12km wide. Identified as a male cub of tigress T-26, the tiger was one of three that went missing from Ranthambore. The other two were traced to Kuno wildlife sanctuary, which is preparing to host lions from Gir in Gujarat. A team from Ranthambore visited Datia district last week. It installed camera traps to check the tiger's movements. The big cat finally showed up in camera trap pictures. "Our team followed the tiger all the way to MP. We are happy that it's safe there and the officers were very cooperative. We cannot stop dispersal, only concern is its safety," said Y K Sahu, district forest officer Ranthambore. The longest recorded distance travelled by a tiger is 280km (as the crow flies), when another young male wandered from Bandipur to Shikaripur in Karnataka in 2011. According to a report by Sahu and others, "By the end of January 2013, the sub-adult cubs of tigress T-26, about two years old, began to disperse from their mother. On January 23 and 24 night, villagers of Khandar and Ganeshnagar reported movement of tigers," the report said. By January 25, pugmarks were again seen along Banas river going towards Bichpuri. The marks led up to Bheonji, near Bichpuri village, 12km from Dhamida ghata and then 4km away near Gopaz Ghati leading to the neighbouring Kailadevi Sanctuary. After that, the tiger crossed Chambal river and entered the forests of Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh. It was tracked by forest officials of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Between January 28 and February 9, the tiger had travelled 70 km from its natal place in Ranthambore. A cow was found mauled to death near Birpur territorial range in MP, confirming the predator's presence. The animal went unnoticed for a long time. But in the first week of March 2013, the forest division of Datia in Madhya Pradesh reported movement of a tiger in Seoda range. "Since there was no reported tiger presence in this area, a team was sent from Ranthambore to assist the Datia forest staff. On March 27, the killing of a wild boar alerted local staffers who installed cameras and managed to get pictures which matched with those of T26's male cub," the report notes. "We concluded that the tiger roaming in the Seoda range is one of the male sub-adults from the present litter of T26," says Dharmendra Khandal. There were no tiger sightings in Datia till one was shot dead by poachers in 1998. Prior to that one was hunted 'legally' by a royal family member in 1960, said sources. "We are very concerned about the tiger's safety. Additional patrolling is being done to keep tab on its movements," said chief conservator of forest (Gwalior circle) SP Rayal. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Ranthambore-tiger-strides-220km-to-MP/articleshow/19719121.cms