Kotagiri: A shocking case of wildlife activities has come to light from Kotagiri area of Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Here a tiger was seen chasing a leopard hiding in a private tea garden. The entire incident was captured in the CCTV camera installed there, the video of which is now going viral on social media. This incident has created an atmosphere of panic among the local people, farmers and tea garden workers.
According to the information, in recent times the movement of wild animals has increased continuously in Kotagiri and surrounding forest areas of Nilgiri district. Forest department officials believe that many wildlife are moving out of the forests to populated areas and tea gardens in search of food and water. Due to this, there is also an increase in the incidents of humans and wild animals coming face to face.
In this sequence, a leopard reached a private tea garden in Katapettu area near Kotagiri in search of food. It is being told that the leopard was hiding among the bushes and trees inside the garden. Meanwhile, a tiger also reached there, who as soon as he realized the presence of the leopard, started chasing it.
According to eyewitnesses, an exciting sequence of events took place between the two predatory animals for a few moments. Seeing the tiger coming rapidly towards him, the leopard showed agility and in the blink of an eye climbed a nearby tree. By climbing the tree the leopard became out of the reach of the tiger and thus he was able to save himself safely. The tiger kept hovering around the tree for some time and later returned towards the forest.
This entire incident was recorded in the CCTV camera installed in the tea garden. After the footage surfaced, the video quickly went viral on social media. In the video, the tiger can be seen chasing the leopard and the leopard can be seen rapidly climbing the tree. Along with wildlife lovers, common people are also discussing this rare sight.
Although no person or animal has been reported injured in this incident, the presence of tiger and leopard together in the tea garden has increased the concern of the local people. Farmers and plantation workers in the area say that elephants, gaur (Indian bison), leopards and other wild animals have been frequently seen in tea gardens and residential areas for some time now. Now the presence of tigers has created new concerns about their safety.
Local people say that workers working in tea gardens are most at risk during morning and evening hours. He has demanded the forest department to increase regular patrolling in the area and keep an eye on the activities of wild animals. Farmers say that if appropriate steps are not taken in time, a major accident may occur some day.
Forest Department officials have also increased surveillance in the concerned area after receiving information about the incident. Officials say both tigers and leopards are naturally forest-dwelling wildlife, but they sometimes come out of the forest in search of food and water. The department has intensified patrolling in the surrounding areas and people have been advised to remain alert.
The Forest Department has appealed to the local residents that if the presence of any wild animal is seen then not to go near it or try to drive it away. In such a situation, immediately inform the forest department or local administration, so that the trained team can reach the spot and handle the situation safely.
Experts believe that due to conditions like increase in human activities around forests, changes in natural habitat and reduction in food availability, wildlife is moving towards populated areas. In such a situation, long-term conservation measures are needed to prevent incidents of conflict between humans and wildlife.
At present, this video of tiger and leopard coming face to face in Katapettu area of Kotagiri has become a topic of discussion. The administration and forest department are monitoring the situation and are appealing to the local people to remain alert and not pay heed to rumours.
