Thermal Drones, Tribal Trackers Team Up to Monitor Tiger Movement in Telangana
A single tiger is still moving through farmlands and the edges of villages in northern and central Telangana. The forest department has stepped up a coordinated, high-intensity operation to find the animal and prevent human-wildlife conflict. The effort brings together traditional field knowledge with modern surveillance tools, such as tribal trackers, thermal drones, and veterinary teams trained in tranquillisation.
Specialist Koya and Chenchu trackers from forest areas like Kagaznagar, Kawal, Amrabad, and Asifabad have been deployed to trace the tiger in and around Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. Forest officials believe the animal is covering more than 20 kilometres every day, making continuous monitoring essential. Based on the tiger’s movement patterns, authorities are prepared to tranquillize it if it becomes stationary or deploy trap cages if required.
Local residents and elected representatives have been advised to stay away from cattle kill sites, as repeated human presence is disturbing the tiger and forcing it to move further in search of prey. Thermal drones are being used extensively to monitor the animal during night hours, while camera traps have been installed along suspected routes. So far, one camera trap image has been captured and is being analysed to establish the tiger’s identity using existing databases.
Forest officials stated that although the tiger has been moving through agricultural land and near human habitations across several districts, it has not been directly sighted by villagers. The animal is believed to be deliberately avoiding humans and does not pose an immediate threat to human life. The presence of experienced tribal trackers has been critical in accurately tracking its movement.
Recent reports indicate that the tiger has moved back towards Siddipet, from where it had originally travelled. The camera trap photograph is being verified against records from Asifabad, Mulugu, Kagaznagar, and other districts, as well as databases from Maharashtra.
Over the past few days, the tiger has passed through human-dominated areas, including agricultural fields near villages, across districts such as Peddapally, Karimnagar, Jagityal, Kamareddy, Siddipet, and Yadadri. Forest authorities have maintained a 24×7 vigil since its entry, following standard operating procedures set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
District forest officers are coordinating closely with district collectors and police superintendents to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in affected villages. Power distribution officials have also been instructed to inspect fields for illegal electric lines and live wires to prevent electrocution risks to tigers, livestock, and residents.
A multi-agency committee led by a forest conservator has been formed to oversee the operation, with members from veterinary services, wildlife experts, NGOs, panchayat raj institutions, and forest departments. A veterinarian and wildlife expert from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been brought in to assess the situation, and their recommendations are being implemented.
Trap cages sourced from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad are on standby if trapping becomes necessary. Veterinary teams equipped with tranquillisers remain alert. Meanwhile, a state-level technical group involving experts from the Wildlife Institute of India and the National Tiger Conservation Authority is being formed to guide responses to tiger straying and broader wildlife management issues.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
