They also submitted a request to the National Tiger Conservation Authority in this regard. According to Sanjayan Kumar, Deputy Director, PTR, such a cell would be a boost to the tiger conservation programme.

“Through the tiger cell, we intend to enhance activities related to protection and intelligence-gathering in the buffer and core zones of the reserve. Besides, the tiger cell would comprise experts in the conservation project and their expert advice will be of great assistance to us. The members would meet once in six months. The cell would also monitor and investigate cases related to tigers and leopards. It will collect intelligence by working with agencies like the Crime Control Bureau and the police. It will monitor and survey the animals to keep track of any poaching activities in the area, identify and record trade routes and potential marketing of poached animals,” he said.

Though forest officials in PTR have successfully curbed poaching activities, they suspect that poachers from Tamil Nadu are still active in the bordering areas of the tiger reserve.

The formation of the tiger cell would help them in tackling poaching in a better manner, as they can then conduct joint operations with neighbouring forest ranges and share data and intelligence inputs with them.