A native of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, it was sighted for the first time in Andhra Pradesh near Pandirimamidigudem of Eluru district around January 20-21. Eluru District Forest Officer, Territorial, P.V. While the frequent cattle depredation was a puzzle to the Forest officials, it was a crushing blow to dairy farmers. A tobacco season crushedThe fear that gripped the villages in the tobacco-rich mandals of Koyyalagudem and Buttayagudem crippled the livelihoods of tobacco farmers and agricultural labourers. Conservation efforts and anti-poaching activities have led to an increase in tiger population, meaning tigers are looking for new territories.

Source: The Hindu February 06, 2026 07:19 UTC