Home / Environment / BRT Reserve Warns: Neglected Land Fuels Tiger Danger
BRT Reserve Warns: Neglected Land Fuels Tiger Danger
18 Sep
Summary
- Fallow lands near BRT Tiger Reserve are becoming new habitats for tigers.
- A recent tiger attack claimed the life of a farmer in a fringe village.
- Abandoned quarries with water and vegetation also attract wildlife.
Authorities at the BRT Tiger Reserve have alerted the Chamarajanagar deputy commissioner about the growing threat posed by neglected fallow lands. These uncultivated areas, some left for over a decade, are transforming into prime habitats for tigers and other wildlife. This proximity to human settlements has resulted in increased risks for villagers.
Recent months have seen a tigress with two cubs and a male tiger frequently sighted outside the reserve, with confirmed movement in fringe villages via camera traps and drones. These sightings have been accompanied by livestock depredation. Tragically, a farmer from Badagalapura village, located about 14km from the reserve boundary, was killed in a tiger attack on Monday, highlighting the escalating danger.
Forest officials have identified at least 12 villages surrounding the reserve with problematic fallow lands and abandoned stone quarries. These quarries, often filled with water, provide permanent water sources, while dense vegetation offers cover and resting spots for big cats. Similar concerns have been raised about leopard movement in the area.
To mitigate the risks, pamphlets have been distributed, public announcements made, and capture cages deployed in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority guidelines. The submitted list of neglected sites aims to facilitate coordinated action between forest authorities and the deputy commissioner's office to address the burgeoning wildlife-human conflict.
