Radio-collared tiger returns to Andhra Pradesh from Odisha's Malkangiri
Telemetry tracking confirmed the big cat is now approximately 7 km inside Andhra Pradesh territory after straying into the Motu Range.
A radio-collared Royal Bengal tiger that had entered the Motu Range in Odisha's Malkangiri district has crossed back into Andhra Pradesh, according to a press release from Malkangiri Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sai Kiran DN on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The tiger, which was identified as a four-year-old animal, had previously moved from the Papikonda landscape in Andhra Pradesh into the Malkangiri forest division, as reported by Odisha Bytes.
Telemetry tracking shows the animal is currently located about 7 km from the inter-state border inside Andhra Pradesh territory. Malkangiri forest officials have been monitoring the tiger using satellite and very high frequency (VHF) tracking systems.
Despite the tiger's retreat, forest authorities in Malkangiri remain on high alert. Specialized tracking units and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are deployed along the border following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines.
Malkangiri forest officials are coordinating with Andhra Pradesh staff to exchange real-time data. The department is also conducting village-level awareness programmes and using public address systems to inform residents.
The Forest Department has advised people living near the border to stay cautious, stay within their villages, and refrain from going into thick forest areas. Residents are requested to notify local personnel immediately if they see any pugmarks or the tiger.