The forest department has collected evidence of the presence of seven tigers in the region, but has not been able to capture any photographs due to the low density cameras. Moreover, officials are finding it tough to track poaching activities due to inadequate number of cameras.

At present, there are around 130 to 140 camera traps installed in the forest area. The national tiger conservation authority, however, recommends a camera trap every 2 sq.km of the protected tiger areas. STR requires as many as 370 camera traps in the protected areas, excluding the buffer area of 425 sq.km.

"In the first phase, we are installing 100 camera traps in Chandoli and Koyna forests. Later, we will install 100 more cameras in the region. This will give us an understanding of what is happening inside the protected areas," said Clement Ben, chief conservator of forests and STR field director said.

These cameras are automated and will have a memory card to store images of seven days. Every week, a guard deputed at the area will replace the memory card and will download the photos. The collected photographs will be analysed to see tiger presence and also will check if any illegal activity is happening in the area. "We are also providing Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to 50 forest guards. It is mandatory for guards to walk in their territory five days a week. Now, the GPS with them will track their route. Every weekend, I will review the data. This will help us for effective surveillance," he added.