Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Bandipur Officials Defend Night Tiger Captures
Officials in Bandipur Tiger Reserve have been capturing tigers that wander into villages, especially at night.
A wildlife activist says this goes against the rules set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which state that tigers should not be captured after 6 PM.
The activist also mentioned that using thermal drones for these captures is expensive and might not be safe for the tigers.
The officials, however, say they follow the rules and complete captures by 7 PM.
Some tigers are released back into the wild, while others are taken to a rehabilitation center.
The activist is concerned that moving tigers to other reserves without proper study could be dangerous for the tigers.
18 tigers, including cubs, have been captured outside Bandipur Tiger Reserve in recent months.
A wildlife activist alleges that capturing tigers after 6 PM violates NTCA guidelines.
Officials defend their actions, stating they complete captures by 7 PM.
Thermal drones are used for nighttime captures, costing Rs 35,000 per day.
Captured tigers are either released into the wild or taken to the Chamundi Rehabilitation Centre.
- Who
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve officials and a wildlife activist
- What
- Controversy over nighttime tiger captures and violations of NTCA guidelines
- When
- Recent months, with specific mention of nighttime captures
- Where
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar districts
- Why
- To prevent tiger attacks on farmers and villagers
- Number of Tigers Captured
- 18
- NTCA Guidelines Violation
- Captures after 6 PM
- Thermal Drone Camera Cost
- Rs 35,000 per day
- Rehabilitation Centre
- Chamundi near Mysuru
- Tiger Reserves Involved
- Bandipur, Nagarhole