Overview On December 11, 2025 , the Forest Department successfully captured an aged male tiger, identified as MDT-37 , in the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) . This capture followed an incident on November 24 , where the tiger is believed to have killed an Adivasi woman, B. Nagi , who was herding goats in Mavanallah. The incident raised concerns about human-animal conflict and the safety of local communities living near the reserve. Key Developments Capture and Identification Incident: The alleged killing of B. Nagi on November 24 triggered the response from the Forest Department. Identification: Around 30 camera traps were installed in the region, leading to the identification of the tiger as MDT-37 . Physical Condition: MDT-37 was found to have injuries to its face, which impaired its ability to hunt wild prey effectively. Tracking and Capture Operations Team Formation: Four teams were formed to track the animal using camera traps and thermal drone cameras. Camera Traps: A total of 29 camera traps were strategically placed to monitor the tiger's movements. Capture Method: Cages with live bait were used to lure and trap the tiger. Special Team: A special team was formed under the instructions of the Chief Wildlife Warden and the Field Director of MTR to oversee the capture operation. Capture Location: The tiger was eventually trapped in one of the cages placed in Chemmanatham within the MTR . Sedation: The tiger was captured without being sedated. Post-Capture Assessment and Relocation Age and Condition: The tiger is estimated to be at least 15 years old and has lost molar teeth due to old age. Inability to Hunt: Due to its age and injuries, the tiger was unable to hunt effectively, leading it to prey on cattle. Relocation: The tiger will be taken to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai after being assessed by a Forest Department veterinarian. Release Impossibility: R. Kiruba Shankar , Field Director of MTR, confirmed that the tiger cannot be released back into the wild due to its injuries and inability to hunt. UPSC Relevance This incident highlights several issues relevant to the UPSC syllabus, particularly under GS3: Environment and Ecology and GS3: Biodiversity Conservation . It also touches upon GS3: Human-Animal Conflict and the role of government policies in mitigating such conflicts. The use of technology in wildlife monitoring and the ethical considerations of animal relocation are also important aspects. Key Takeaways for UPSC Understanding the causes and consequences of human-animal conflict. Evaluating the effectiveness of different wildlife management strategies. Analyzing the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation. Assessing the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on wildlife populations. Examining the ethical considerations involved in wildlife management decisions. Important Facts The incident occurred in the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) . The tiger, MDT-37 , was identified using camera traps. The tiger is estimated to be 15 years old and has facial injuries. The tiger will be relocated to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai. 29 camera traps were used to track the tiger's movements.