Tiger Camera-Trapped in Kishkindha Hills After Nearly Five Decades

Key facts

• A tiger was camera-trapped in the Kishkindha hills of Koppal district, Karnataka, nearly five decades after the big cat was last reported in the forest area.
• The Forest Department stepped up vigilance and alerted local communities following the sighting.
• Wildlife experts said the tiger may have been frequenting the hill forests for several months and could have entered through a wildlife corridor connecting to the Srisailam landscape in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
• The Forest Department began monitoring the area after receiving repeated reports from residents over the past three months.
• A camera trap placed at Temba captured the tiger on August 23, 2026, confirming its presence.
• An alert was sounded in Hampi and surrounding areas, with sirens in Sanapur, Basapur, Jabbalagudda, Benakal, Agoli, Venkatagi, Hanumanahalli and Junglirangapur.
• Residents, shepherds and cattle grazers were advised not to enter the Yelugudda forest area alone or sleep outdoors at night.
• Additional forest personnel were deployed and more camera traps were being installed to track the animal's movements.