NE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, SEPT 20
More than 10 goats, two calves and several dogs have reportedly been killed in suspected predator attacks in Kannamoochi village near Kolathur in Mettur, prompting the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to intensify surveillance and step up precautionary measures to protect residents and livestock.
- More than 10 goats, two calves and several dogs killed in suspected predator attacks near Kolathur
- Kannamoochi residents, farmers and livestock owners on alert as anxiety mounts along forest fringe
- 717 hectares of forest land in and around village may provide a passage for wildlife from Erode reserve
- Cages installed at five strategic locations; camera traps deployed to identify the suspected animal
- Forest personnel intensify patrols; residents advised to secure livestock and exercise caution near forest boundary
The incidents have heightened anxiety among villagers, particularly farmers and livestock owners living and working close to the forest boundary, as officials investigate the possible movement of a leopard in the area.
Forest officials suspect that the animal may have strayed from the adjoining Erode Forest Reserve in search of prey. However, the presence of a leopard has not yet been conclusively confirmed.
Forest fringe under heightened watch
Following complaints from villagers, Forest Department personnel inspected the affected locations and examined the circumstances surrounding the reported animal attacks.
Officials said the nature of the incidents indicated the possible movement of a large wild animal in the locality, with goats, calves, dogs and reportedly hens among the animals believed to have been attacked.
Mettur Forest Range Officer Sengottaiyan said Kannamoochi was a relatively small village surrounded by a substantial stretch of forest.
Around 717 hectares of forest land lie in and around the area, providing a possible route for wild animals moving from the Erode reserve towards nearby agricultural fields.
Officials suspect that the animal may have entered the Kannamoochi forest area before moving towards adjoining farmlands, possibly in search of prey.
Cages, camera traps deployed
As part of the intensified surveillance, the Forest Department has installed cages at five strategic locations in and around the village.
Camera traps have also been positioned at several points to record animal movements, establish whether a leopard is present and identify locations frequented by the suspected animal.
Forest personnel are conducting continuous patrols across Kannamoochi, adjoining agricultural fields and forest fringes. They are also collecting information from residents about possible sightings, unusual animal sounds and fresh footprints that could help establish the animal’s identity and movement.
Residents urged to exercise caution
With the investigation continuing, the department has advised villagers to remain vigilant and avoid travelling alone near the forest boundary during early morning and late evening hours.
Farmers and livestock owners have been urged to keep goats, calves and other domestic animals inside secure enclosures at night to reduce the risk of further attacks.
The precautionary measures are aimed at protecting both people and livestock while helping forest personnel monitor the suspected animal without unnecessary disturbance.
Surveillance to continue
Officials said the intensified surveillance would continue until the suspected animal was identified and safely captured, if capture is found necessary.
The department is taking additional precautions to prevent further livestock losses and safeguard people living close to the forest.
With the leopard’s presence yet to be confirmed, the immediate focus remains on gathering reliable evidence, tracking possible wildlife movement and maintaining vigilance across the village and its surrounding forest fringe.
