Deadly tiger trap detected in Nallamala forest

Posting a news that had appeared in Hindu...

Deadly tiger trap detected in Nallamala forest

Detection of a deadly tiger trap in the Nallamala forest (Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserve) near Atmakur startled the forest personnel on Friday.
What causes a serious concern among the forest team is that the trap is usually employed by North Indian poachers. It is considered an indication of the movement of North Indian ruthless gangs such as Katni (Rajasthan) and Bahelia (Madhya Pradesh).
According to Divisional Forest Officer B. Vijayakumar, one of the staff on the patrolling duty accidentally stumbled upon the trap on Thursday in the area falling under Velugodu beat. In fact, the section officer identified as Madhu caught his foot in the trap but managed to salvage the limb.
The forest officials were startled by the implement, which was believed to have been used either to catch a tiger or leopard.
Mr. Vijayakumar told The Hindu that they were investigating whether the gangs descended on the Nallamala Tiger reserve. “It is true, the matter is very serious”, he said.
Alert
He said the local people, forest watchers and trackers were alerted about the movement of strangers who looked different with their North-Indian wears and traits.
Usually the traps are laid in the fringe areas or water holes where the movement of tigers is heavy. According to sources, certain notorious gangs at the national level set their eyes on Rajiv Tiger Reserve after the reports of increase in the population of tigers.
The Forest Department planned to intensify the foot patrolling and enhance its intelligence network to meet the challenge as invasion of North Indian “thugs” would strike a catastrophe to the tiger population.

The tiger poaching is on the rise. Unfortunately, our foot patrolling is not enough. Most of our guards are either old and/or lacking in motivation or the positions vacant or they are doing some personal work for the forest department staff. So the patrolling on doesn't happen. Only when the guards are moving around on foot, these traps can be found. Apart from tiger, many herbivores also get caught in these traps.

Sabyasachi