Representational image only. File
“A tiger currently roaming the Beddanuru Reserve Forest in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, is now suspected to be male,” forest officials said, after tracking its movements from Telangana’s Kawadigundla forest.
The big cat, which has travelled approximately 35-40 km into Andhra Pradesh, appears “calm and undisturbed.” Authorities believe it may be the same tiger that entered the State last year around this time, returning to its natural habitat after some time.
Camera traps have been installed near 36 villages to monitor the tiger’s movements, though the reason for its unusual journey “remains unclear.”
Speaking to The Hindu, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Eluru, P. Venkat Sandeep Reddy, says the tiger killed a cow in Nagulagudem village and another in Antarvedigudem village on Thursday morning (January 22, 2026). Pug marks indicate that the tiger moved through Mulagalampalli Section and the Beat of Beddanuru Reserve Forest.
The camera traps were installed at sites of tiger movement. “Once we get the photographs, it will be clear whether the same tiger has returned this year. Unlike incidents reported in Tadoba, no human attacks have been reported, and so far there is no human-tiger conflict,” he said.
It may be recalled that a male tiger previously left its natural habitat more than ten days ago, entering the Kovvada Reserve Forest, where the Koya tribal community resides. That tiger reportedly walked more than 100 km since it was first sighted on January 26, 2024, in Eluru district, killing two cattle along the way before returning to its natural habitat in Papikonda National Park (PNP). An alert was sounded within a 10-km radius of tribal habitations to prevent untoward incidents as the tiger approached PNP.
Forest teams have been deployed for day-and-night surveillance, coordinating with revenue and police personnel in villages including Teddanuru, Pakalagudem, and Ankannagudem. Villagers are advised to avoid going alone near forest areas, secure livestock, maintain adequate lighting at night, and refrain from outdoor activities after dark.
Mr. Sandeep Reddy emphasises that officials are continuously monitoring the tiger’s movements under NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) guidelines, ensuring comprehensive management. He also urged the public not to spread unverified information on social media and reminded residents that any attempt to harm or kill the tiger would be punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Published – January 23, 2026 12:35 pm IST
