Food Scarcity Threatens Tigers and Leopards in NSTR

Wildlife experts are reportedly raising concerns over inadequate prey availability in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), with some estimates suggesting that tigers and leopards may not be getting sufficient prey for extended periods. The shortage is believed to be one of the reasons behind increasing instances of wild animals entering nearby villages and hunting livestock or other animals. Questions are also being raised over the utilisation of funds allocated for forest and wildlife conservation. Allegations have surfaced that around ₹50 lakh allocated under CAMPA during 2024-25 for the Gundlakamma forest range’s conservation committee was allegedly diverted for the construction of an FDP&T Circle office in Nandyal, contrary to the stated purpose of the funds.

Earlier, herbivore enclosures were established in areas such as Pacharla, Tettagundam, Peddapenta, Arepenta and Malakondapenta to increase the prey base for tigers. Herbivores such as deer and other prey animals were brought from different locations, acclimatised and subsequently released into the forest. However, critics allege that the programme gradually lost momentum due to inadequate follow-up. Similarly, an enclosure planned at Peddapenta in the Markapuram division for the care of injured tigers and separated cubs reportedly received around ₹2 crore, but the work was stopped midway and remains incomplete despite being restarted several months ago. Concerns have also been raised over anti-poaching operations, with allegations that routine field inspections, monitoring of traps and electric fences, surveillance of hunters and awareness programmes in nearby villages are not being carried out effectively. The reported killing of a tiger with a firearm in the Racharla beat about a month ago without the alleged detection of the incident by the relevant surveillance teams has further intensified questions over the effectiveness of wildlife protection measures.