A real Bengal tiger that crossed Western Bengal from Jharkhand on January 12 is now camping in the Junglemahal’s belt of the state, said a official of the Superior Forest Department on Monday (January 28, 2025).
The Tiger, who had moved to Dalma Forest Range in Jharkhand from January 19 to 20, crossed the districts of Junglemahal, which consists of Jhargram, Purulia and the districts of Bankura, early Friday morning and is currently parked there, conservative DE FORESQUES S. Kulandaive said.
“We have seen fresh pugmaries of the great cat in the area,” Kulandaivel said.
Another senior forest official said that the great cat was recently seen in a wooded stretch in Bankura during the day after moving away from Jhargram. The forest department is closely monitoring its movement through Pugmarks and camera images. “His place is constantly changing,” added the officer.
“Currently, The Big Cat is in the tri-union of the forested parts of Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram in the southern ‘Junglemahal’ area. Until now, he has not shown any sign of aggression and has been avoiding humans. So, we are focusing more on monitoring your movement and not disturbing it, ensuring that it is not physically damaged. Let’s see if you leave alone, ”said the director of the Silvestre, Debal Roy.
The forest personnel of the Tigres Reserve of Sunderbans have not yet been cornered, and their counterparts of Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura Divisions are closely coordinated to ensure that the current strategy of the Forest Department is followed.
People who live in a 20 km wooded stretch covering the three districts and tourists visiting the picturesque places dotted with hills, forests and waterfalls have been alerted by the forest department through a public address system. “They have been asked not to venture deeply inside the forests and avoid going out after nightlife in forested areas,” said Kulandaivel.
“The animal had moved next to Jharkhand from Purulia three or four days after crossing Bengala, but returned to this state in the early hours of January 24. Probably the presence of elephant herds in Dalma’s belt did so Change your route and head.
The auspicious habitat in the entire stretch of Junglemahal of the State, with a wide base of dams has facilitated the stay of the Tiger in the area.
Last month, another tiger named Zeenat had moved away in Western Bengal from Odisha through Jharkhand and was caught on December 29, three weeks after being persecuted by the forest personnel of three states.
Published – January 28, 2025 08:48 am isth