Poaching attempt in Amrabad Tiger Reserve sparks concern
HYDERABAD: The safety of tigers and other wildlife in the Nallamala forests has come under question after poachers set up traps inside the core zone of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district. A tiger tracker who discovered and dismantled the snare was reportedly attacked by a group of men, prompting an internal inquiry by forest officials.
Attack on tracker near Pullayipalle camp
According to officials, tiger tracker Ravi detected iron wire snares tied to trees about half a kilometre from the Pullayipalle base camp in Appapur Penta panchayat on September 8. The area, located within the dense Nallamala forest, has a solar bore well providing drinking water for wild animals, making it a frequent gathering point for wildlife.
Ravi removed the snares and handed them over to forest officers. He later alleged that fellow tracker Nimmala Lingaswamy, accompanied by Nimmala Chinna Guruvayya, demanded the wires back and attacked him when he refused.
Local involvement suspected
Forest sources said poachers have occasionally entered the Nallamala forest from Lingala mandal to hunt monitor lizards and other small animals. However, this is the first time a snare was found deep inside the tiger core zone. Officials suspect that some locals may be aiding outsiders in poaching activities.
The Nallamala forest spans the borders of Nagarkurnool, Nalgonda, Kurnool, Prakasam and Guntur districts, and is flanked by the Krishna River on one side and rugged hills on the other. It is divided into four blocks and 10 ranges, with 230 watchers and trackers protecting wildlife.
According to the Forest Department, the Amrabad Tiger Reserve currently houses 13 male tigers, 20 females, three cubs and around 175 leopards, along with wild dogs, jackals, deer and other species.
Forest officials begin internal inquiry
Initially, officials treated the incident as a dispute among local Chenchus, but after the issue reached senior officers, an internal probe was ordered. No criminal case has been filed yet.
Officials recalled that in Kawal Tiger Reserve, 5–6 tigers had earlier fallen prey to traps laid by poachers, but no such incidents were previously reported from Amrabad, which has been considered one of the safest habitats for big cats in southern India.
