Munnar Tigers Feast on Cattle Surge

Tiger attacks on livestock are escalating in Munnar's tea plantation areas, with plantation workers reporting one to two incidents daily. Forest department officials confirm this rise, noting that the burgeoning cattle population within the plantations is attracting tigers from nearby Shola forests.

Officials suggest that plantation companies may need to enforce livestock limits more strictly, as the abundance of easy prey is causing tigers to linger in these areas. A recent observation noted three tigers feeding on a single cow. Young tigers are reportedly learning to hunt cattle due to their accessibility, rather than venturing into the Shola forests for natural prey.

The Munnar Divisional Forest Officer plans to direct plantation companies to enforce existing livestock limits. While one recent attack in Chinnakkanal is considered isolated, originating from outside Munnar, the overall issue of tigers in plantations remains a concern. Some local milk producers dispute the increased cattle population claims, citing a decrease in milk production.