Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The much-talked tiger (T3C1) in the Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, is in good health, but the noise from vehicles passing through the ghat is disturbing the ecosystem of wildlife. Traffic that is being diverted to avoid tolls should be banned during specific hours, from evening to morning, to preserve the natural environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.
The solitary tiger has been living safely in the ghat area for the past four years, with access to water and its food chain, making this area its permanent habitat. However, rumours spread last week that a poaching gang had been arrested near the Chalisgaon area, and the body parts of wild animals found with them led to speculations that this tiger had been killed. However reliable sources confirmed to the newspaper that the tiger is safe.
“On the day of Holi, March 14, its photographs were captured by a trap camera at 1.07 am and 6.57 am. The Department of Forest (Wildlife) is taking precautions in the periphery, with forest guards, staff, and officers staying vigilant,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Mohan Naikwade.