World · South & Central Asia · 8 hrs ago
Rescue effort paused as tiger becomes stranded in Andhra Pradesh quarry
Explorer, a 3.5-year-old male tiger, is stranded in a stone quarry area near Dhecherla in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district.
He came from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserve and was reintroduced into Papikonda National Park in February.
The state had resumed Operation Stripes, an effort to relocate the tiger, two days before pausing the search on Sunday.
GPS data showed that Explorer had walked only about two kilometres on Saturday night, after more than four days without prey, suggesting he was losing strength.
He is in a mango orchard surrounded by stone-crushing units and man-made ponds, and officials say moving through the area could put his life at risk.
Crews cannot get close because of the difficult terrain, so officials are waiting for conditions that are safer for the tiger and nearby residents.
Quarry operators have been told to stop work and vehicle movements have been restricted until further orders.
The Andhra Pradesh State Wildlife Department temporarily paused the search for Explorer, a male tiger stranded in a stone quarry block near Dhecherla.
Officials said terrain challenges prevented rescue personnel and vehicles from reaching the tiger safely.
GPS data indicated Explorer had walked only about two kilometres on Saturday night after more than four days without prey.
Authorities asked stone-crushing units and quarry operators to stop work and restricted vehicle movement.
The sources differ on whether Explorer was returned to Papikonda National Park on February 14 or February 16.
- Who
- Explorer, a 3.5-year-old male tiger, and the Andhra Pradesh State Wildlife Department.
- What
- The department temporarily paused its search and rescue effort because of access and safety challenges.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Where
- A mango orchard in the Dhecherla stone quarry block, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The terrain made it difficult for personnel and vehicles to reach the tiger safely; officials also cited risks to the tiger and people nearby.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The personnel involved in the tranquilising task are waiting for suitable conditions for the safety of the tiger and the people in the local areas
Explorer was tranquilised at Kurmapuram village.
The article says Explorer was returned to Papikonda National Park on February 14, while its photo caption says he was reintroduced there on February 16.
The government resumed Operation Stripes, two days before the department paused the search, according to the article.
The department temporarily put the search on hold as Explorer was stranded in the quarry block.
- Tiger
- Explorer, a 3.5-year-old male
- Location
- Dhecherla stone quarry block, East Godavari district
- Recent movement
- About two kilometres on Saturday night, according to GPS data
- Rescue operation
- Operation Stripes
- Prey
- The article says Explorer had gone more than four days without prey
Sources
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