Forest Department Installs Camera Traps to Monitor Leopard Activity Near Ambur

Swift Summary

• The Forest Department installed three camera traps at Pallur and Panathoppu villages in the Ambur forest range (tirupattur) too monitor possible leopard movement.
• the villages are adjacent to the Sanakuppam Reserve Forest, which spans 7,000 hectares and is linked to Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.
• Residents recently reported sightings of a leopard-like animal, prompting surveillance efforts by forest officials.
• Cameras have not captured any leopard activity thus far. Officials found no pugmarks or signs of a predator’s presence.
• Forest officials noted that the area lacks dense hiding places such as caves typically preferred by leopards; chances of presence appear slim but cannot be ruled out entirely.
• Increased vigilance has been implemented for public safety; residents were asked to stay indoors during nighttime and travel in groups for work purposes.
• Farmers were advised to fence cattle sheds properly wiht sufficient lighting facilities. A helpline number (9786254998) was provided for reporting sightings.
• In prior incidents (2024), a tranquilized three-year-old male leopard was released into Madakadappa RF after being spotted near Tirupattur town.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The proactive approach undertaken by the Forest Department reflects commendable preparedness amidst rising concerns from local communities surrounding wildlife-human interactions. Even though no substantial evidence-such as pugmarks or visual confirmation-points towards active leopard presence, it’s prudent that measures like installing camera traps and issuing advisories ensure public confidence while reducing risk factors.

Areas like Sanakuppam Reserve Forest highlight India’s complex ecological dynamics-it bridges fragmented habitats across state boundaries such as tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh while also housing vulnerable wildlife species. However, human encroachments near reserve peripheries often lead to speculation surrounding predator movements due to spatial overlap between grazing lands and jungle corridors.

While current surveillance outcomes suggest low probability of danger, continuous monitoring remains essential not only for timely mitigation but also conservation insights regarding habitat health along the TN-Andhra border trajectory-a critical aspect given prior instances of rescued animals like the tranquilized leopard in Tirupattur town last year.

Read More: The Hindu