A male tiger, named Jhony, has been roaming the forests of Jainoor and Narnoor mandals for the fourth consecutive day, causing growing concern among local residents. The tiger, originally from the Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary in Nanded and Yavatmal districts of Maharashtra, has ventured into the forests in search of a mate, alarming villagers and prompting action from the Forest Department.
According to officials, Jhony began its journey toward the forests of Narnoor on November 18. Since then, it has moved through several areas, including Panapatar village in Jainoor and Thadihathnoor village in Narnoor mandal. The tiger’s search for a mate has seen it cover over 350 kilometers, with its path extending through Utnoor, Pembi, Boath, Kuntala, Sarangapur, and Mamada mandals.
The tiger’s presence has sparked fear in the local communities, leading the Forest Department to take immediate measures to monitor its movements. To ensure the safety of residents and track the tiger’s activities, the authorities have set up CCTV camera traps and deployed five teams of trained animal trackers. Additionally, an awareness campaign has been launched, with WhatsApp groups created in each mandal to keep villagers informed and provide real-time updates. Local Forest Staff have also been engaging with the community through these messaging platforms, offering guidance on how to stay safe.
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The roaming tiger, affectionately referred to as “Johnny” by locals, is not the only big cat to have recently ventured into human-dominated areas. In other developments, two tigers from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra have entered the forests of Sirpur (T) mandal in search of mates and territory. Sirpur is already home to about 10 tigers, including two tigresses, and officials have reported the recent sighting of another male tiger in the forests of Tiryani mandal.
The ongoing movements of Jhony and the other tigers highlight the growing challenges of wildlife conservation in areas where human habitation and wildlife territories overlap. As tigers roam in search of mates and territory, the authorities are intensifying efforts to protect both the animals and local residents, ensuring the safety of all while minimizing conflict. The Forest Department is also working closely with local communities to foster better understanding and cooperation in managing these encounters.
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