Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Tiger capture operation begins in Gudalur after cattle attacks
Forest officials are trying to catch a male tiger near homes and farms in Vimalagiri.
The tiger has entered populated areas, sometimes during the day.
It has killed cattle in several nearby places.
People are worried because it was also seen near a primary school.
Officials have placed two cages and 25 cameras to track it.
They may use a tranquiliser if it is safe to do so.
They said this tiger is not the same animal suspected in two deaths in O-Valley.
Officials are watching both areas and asking farmers to keep cattle in secure sheds.
Tamil Nadu Forest Department teams launched an operation to capture a male tiger in Vimalagiri, near Nambalakottai.
Officials placed two cages and installed 25 camera traps to monitor the tiger’s movements.
The tiger has reportedly killed cattle in Makkamoola, Ambalakadu and Vimalagiri, and was seen near a primary school.
Officials said the Vimalagiri tiger is separate from the suspected man-eater linked to two deaths in Lauriston.
Forest teams are monitoring both Vimalagiri and O-Valley while prioritising residents’ safety.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department, local residents and a male tiger in Vimalagiri are involved.
- What
- Officials launched an operation to capture a tiger that has entered settlements and killed cattle.
- When
- The operation began after repeated tiger visits and reports from residents over the past week.
- Where
- Vimalagiri, near Nambalakottai, in the Gudalur Forest Range of Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district.
- Why
- The operation was launched because the tiger has repeatedly entered populated areas, killed cattle and increased the risk of encounters with people.
- Location
- Vimalagiri near Nambalakottai, in the Gudalur Forest Range
- Monitoring equipment
- Two cages and 25 camera traps
- Reported cattle attacks
- Makkamoola, Ambalakadu and Vimalagiri
- Additional concern
- The tiger was reportedly seen near a primary school
- Nearby reserve
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is less than five kilometres away by aerial distance
- Possible capture method
- Veterinarians may tranquilise the tiger if conditions allow it safely
- Separate operation
- Officials are also searching for a suspected man-eater in O-Valley linked to two deaths