No Tigers in Kasaragod Forests, Only Leopards and Elephants Remain
Forest Department officials confirm the presence of other wildlife following a comprehensive district-wide survey.
Forest officials have confirmed that there is currently no tiger presence in the forest areas of Kasaragod district in north Kerala. This clarification comes following the completion of the recent national tiger census conducted by the Forest Department.
While the district does not host tigers, it remains a thriving habitat for other wildlife. Speaking to Udayavani, Deputy Forest Officer Sathyan stated that the district, which has approximately 13 percent forest cover, is well-known for its population of leopards and elephants.
Leopard Sightings on the Rise
According to officials, sightings of leopards and elephants are not new to the region. In the last two months alone, leopards have been spotted twice in Kasaragod.
One recent incident involved a two-year-old leopard cub that fell into a garden well near Pullur. Forest department staff responded quickly, rescuing the trapped animal and safely releasing it back into the wild. Officials noted that three leopards have been rescued in the district this year, but no tiger sightings have been reported.
How the Census Was Conducted
The tiger census was part of a larger eight-day protocol conducted across 684 forest blocks in Kerala. In Kasaragod, the survey covered six specific blocks: Mulliyar, Karadka, Parappa, Adoor, and Panathady.
During the survey, officials spent three days tracking specific signs of wildlife, including:
- Footprints and claw marks on trees.
- Animal droppings and scent markings.
- Direct sightings of herbivores and carnivores.
In addition to tracking animals, the team documented the health of the forest. They recorded plant species, shrubs, and invasive plants every 400 meters. They also took special note of the national bird, the peacock, which is frequently seen in plantations near the Petta area.
Why Are There No Tigers?
Forest officials recalled that during the Madras Presidency era, tigers were occasionally seen in Kasaragod. At that time, they likely migrated through the Bhagamandala and Talacauvery routes.
However, experts explain that tigers require vast, continuous stretches of forest to survive and establish territory. While Kasaragod supports smaller predators like leopards and wild cats, the current landscape does not support a sustainable tiger population.
