Mysuru: Authorities of the BRT Tiger Reserve have written to the Chamarajanagar deputy commissioner seeking immediate action on fallow lands, warning that these neglected plots are turning into suitable habitats for big cats and increasing risks in fringe villages.According to forest officials, a tigress with two cubs and a male tiger have been sighted outside the BRT Tiger Reserve boundary over the past two months. There have also been reports of cattle and livestock kills in the region. Officials said camera-trap footage and drone images have confirmed the movement of big cats in fringe areas.On Monday, a farmer from Badagalapura village, about 14km from the BRT boundary, was killed in a tiger attack. The village has also reported frequent movement of big cats. BRT director BS Sripathi told TOI, “We have information that a tigress with two cubs and a male tiger are moving through villages along the reserve boundary. We have distributed pamphlets, made public announcements and placed cages as per NTCA guidelines to capture the animals.”Sripathi said field observations indicate that the increasing number of fallow lands is drawing wildlife closer to human settlements. In several villages, agricultural lands left uncultivated for 10 to 15 years have developed dense vegetation, creating cover for predators and prey species.Officials also flagged abandoned stone quarries as a concern. Water collected in these pits has turned them into permanent water sources, while surrounding vegetation provides suitable resting habitat for wildlife, including tigers.A list of fallow lands and abandoned quarries has been submitted to the Chamarajanagar DC for coordinated action. Authorities said such sites have been identified in at least 12 villages around the reserve. Forest staff have also reported leopard movement in the area, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures in villages surrounding the reserve.
