An incident of a tigress chasing a tourist vehicle in the buffer zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve( TATR) in Chandrapur district set alarm bells ringing in TATR administration. The incident took place in the Agarzari area around 8 on Sunday morning.
“This particular tigress, aged about three years, is known to have charged at tourist vehicle in the past as well. After the incident, a meeting of tourist guides and drivers was convened, where strict warnings were issued to keep a safe distance from tigers,” TATR Field Director N R Pravin told The Indian Express.
In a video that went viral on soil media, the tigress can be seen chasing the vehicle in the reserve with the driver frantically trying to escape with tourists.
The road where the incident happened has since been closed for safari rides, Pravin said.
This particular tigress, aged about three years, is known to have charged at tourist vehicle earlier too.
Meanwhile, another video that went viral on Sunday, showed tigress Maya walking along with her cubs sandwiched between two tourist vehicle in the buffer zone. The video has led to a concern among wildlife activists who have been demanding strict instructions for tour operators and tourists not to block the animal’s path.
Pravin, however, said, “There was no deliberate blocking of the tigress path, in this case, it just so happened that the tigress and her cubs were walking along a tourist road with a vehicle following them from behind. Later another vehicle carrying tourist came from the opposite direction.”
Wildlife activist and Honorary Wildlife Warden of Chandrapur, Bandu Dhotre said, “Incidents of tourist indiscipline are common in TATR. All vehicles create a jam whenever a tiger is seen. There are set norms for controlling such rash behaviour, like maintaining a safe distance and need to be strictly enforced, else, a mishap can happen any day.”
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