Two Leopards That Terrorised STR Region See One Captured After Months of Monitoring
Two Leopards That Terrorised STR villages near the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve have been at the centre of fear and concern for residents of Marayipalayam village in Erode district for over three months. On Saturday, forest department officials successfully captured one of the two leopards that had been roaming close to human settlements and preying on livestock. The captured animal was later released safely into a dense forest region far from the village.
The presence of the leopards was first officially reported in early November after villagers raised repeated complaints about livestock losses. According to forest officials, the animals were moving between the forested hillock near Marayipalayam and nearby habitations, creating anxiety among residents and farmers.
After receiving formal information, the Vilamundi forest range team began monitoring the area closely. Advanced drone surveillance was used to confirm the presence of the animals. This was followed by a detailed field inspection, which revealed that not one but two leopards were using the hillock area as their temporary territory.
Two Leopards That Terrorised STR villages kept under watch
Once the presence of both leopards was confirmed, the forest department launched a sustained monitoring operation. Officials said that public awareness programmes were conducted in nearby villages to educate residents on safety measures and to prevent panic. Villagers were advised to avoid venturing out alone during early morning and late evening hours and to secure livestock properly.
The hillock and surrounding forest patches were placed under continuous observation. Camera traps, drone monitoring, and physical patrolling were carried out regularly to study the movement patterns of the animals. Based on these observations, cages were installed at three strategic points around the hillock where leopard movement was most frequent.
Two Leopards That Terrorised STR forest fringe caused rising concern
Forest officials explained that capturing a wild leopard requires patience and careful planning. Any rushed attempt could endanger both the animal and the people involved. For several weeks, the leopards avoided the cages, and the team waited for the right opportunity without disturbing their natural movement.
During the early hours of Saturday, one male leopard entered one of the cages placed near the Marayipalayam hillock and was safely trapped. Officials confirmed that the leopard is estimated to be between eight and ten years old.
Two Leopards That Terrorised STR operation follows protocol
After the capture, the leopard was examined by veterinary experts and handled strictly according to wildlife rescue guidelines. Officials ensured the animal was healthy and fit for relocation. It was then transported carefully and released into a dense forest area in Thengumarahada, located about 40 kilometres away from Marayipalayam.
Forest officials said the selected release location offers adequate prey base and forest cover, reducing the chances of the animal returning to human habitation. The relocation was carried out to restore balance and ensure safety for both villagers and wildlife.
Monitoring efforts continue for the second leopard, which is still believed to be present in the hillock region. Officials stated that with one leopard removed, the other is expected to shift deeper into the forest or emerge for capture. The gender of the remaining leopard has not yet been identified.
Two Leopards That Terrorised STR area still under surveillance
Villagers had earlier claimed that more than 30 livestock animals were killed by the leopards over the past few months. However, forest officials clarified that their inquiry did not fully support those numbers. While livestock loss did occur, officials said the confirmed cases were fewer than reported.
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The forest department has assured residents that surveillance will remain active until the situation is fully resolved. Patrolling has been intensified, and villagers have been asked to report any fresh sightings immediately. Also Read: Tribal Dept to Team Up With Global Chess Body to Reshape Learning in Schools in 2026
Conclusion
Two Leopards That Terrorised STR villages led to months of fear, but the capture of one animal has brought relief to Marayipalayam residents. With continued monitoring and careful handling, officials aim to prevent further conflict while ensuring wildlife safety.
