Bhubaneswar: A Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh has entered Odisha and is currently moving through the Motu forest range in Malkangiri district, triggering heightened vigilance among forest officials.
According to information shared by the Malkangiri Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), the tiger has reportedly entered Odisha from Andhra Pradesh’s Papikonda National Park. The big cat has a radio collar fitted around its neck, enabling authorities to monitor its movements through satellite and Very High Frequency (VHF) tracking systems.
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has shared the satellite and VHF tracking data with its Odisha counterpart to facilitate real-time monitoring of the tiger’s movement.
Following the development, the Malkangiri Forest Division has stepped up surveillance and launched an extensive search operation along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border. Forest officials are closely monitoring the movement of the big cat, particularly in the Motu forest range.
Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have also been deployed in the area to respond to any emergency situation. The forest department is using public announcement systems to alert local residents and create awareness about the tiger’s presence.
People living in villages along the inter-state border have been advised to remain cautious, avoid venturing into forest areas unnecessarily and immediately report any sighting or movement of the tiger to forest officials.
The Malkangiri Forest Division has urged residents to cooperate with the Forest Department and follow the safety advisories issued by authorities.