Though the officials did not reveal the exact location where the predator was in action, they said that it was the first time a big cat was caught on camera while hunting.

The images, captured around 7 am, shows a well-grown tiger chasing a deer for nearly 20 minutes before catching it. Earlier, the cameras inside the reserve had taken only the shots of sub-adult tigers roaming.

Owing to the various initiatives of the forest department there has been a rise in the tiger population in the reserve. Rajeev K Srivastava, field director ATR, told Express, “We are a happy lot, as there has been a considerable increase in the count of tigers in the reserve. We have spotted cubs directly and also seen their images on camera traps.”

In an attempt to ensure round-the-clock vigilance, anti-poaching watchers’ camps have been set up. Surveillance has been intensified in view of the rainy season, as poachers use this period season to their advantage.

Meanwhile, as part of tiger habitation improvement measures, solar powered water pumps have been installed to sort out the water needs of animals. The department has also started removing lantana camara, an invasive species of plant, using scientific methods.

The forest department also is on the verge of completing installation of 150 cameras in Pollachi, Ulanthy, Valparai and Manampalli forest ranges. It would also install 150 cameras in Udumalai and Amaravathy forest ranges in the next couple of weeks.