Sariska tiger evades traps, returns to Jabhua forest after foray into Rajasthan

The Sariska wildlife reserve tiger ST-2303 seems to have developed a preference for Haryana’s Jabhua forest in Rewari. The tiger, which travelled over 100 km, entered Haryana more than 15 days ago and has since been camping there despite all attempts to catch or tranquilise it.

The tiger strayed back into Rajasthan’s Tijara Alwar forest area last night, but returned to Haryana by morning. Border villages in both states have been put on alert, and farmers have been warned against venturing into fields alone. The tiger had injured five farmers in Rajasthan while on its way to Haryana as they attempted to corner it in the fields.

Wildlife teams from both Haryana and Rajasthan are on its trail but have been unable to corner it so far. Although the tiger has been captured on camera, the teams have failed to trap or tranquilise it. As a last resort, they have set up cages, but the tiger has managed to eat the bait without getting trapped.

“Cages have been set up, but the tiger is too smart. It took its time, then targeted the bait, killed it and took it without stepping into the cage. The teams are waiting,” said Haryana Wildlife Inspector Rajesh Chahal.

According to Rajasthan Divisional Forest Officer Rajendra Hudda, the tiger did initially head back towards its home territory, but returned to Jabhua. Biologist Gokul Kanan, speaking to The Tribune, revealed, “The tiger did try to trace back its path but returned to Jabhua. We have set up the cages, but if it continues to evade capture, we may have to wait for it to return on its own. Currently, the thick vegetation due to recent rains is helping it hide, but as the bushes start disappearing, it will be easier to spot.”

Amid speculations that the tiger might choose to stay in Haryana and make it its territory, the Rajasthan team stated that this is unlikely.

“A male tiger of this age needs a territory of around 60 sq km, and Jabhua is far too small, not even 10 sq km. As the vegetation thins out, the tiger, which relies on ambush for hunting, will find it difficult to hide and will likely start retracing its path,” added Kanan.

"In another 10 days, we are supposed to start harvesting, but everyone is scared to go into the fields. We are unable to water the crops. Farmers growing cotton need to remove bugs from the crop. Although the tiger has not been seen outside the forest, there's no guarantee it won’t suddenly attack. Farmers working in the fields would be sitting ducks. That’s what we are afraid of," said Khijuri sarpanch Mir Singh.