Rise in tiger attacks on cattle raises concern in plantation sector in Munnar

Continued tiger attacks on cattle in Idukki’s plantation sector in Munnar have raised serious concerns regarding the repeated presence of predators on the forest fringes. The Forest department set a trap in Pampanmala, under the Thalayar estate, after a tiger killed over 18 cattle in three months. On March 21, a tiger was captured and released into the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady.

Following repeated attacks on livestock, plantation workers began protests, prompting officials to set up a cage. Interestingly, the captured five-year-old male tiger was in full health, raising questions as to why healthy, bigger cats are opting for cattle as prey.