Tiger killed by Palaruvi Express on Kollam-Senkottai railway route
The male tiger, aged between six and seven years, was struck by the train near the Senkottai railway section in the early hours of Wednesday.
A male tiger was killed after being hit by the Palaruvi Express on the Kollam-Senkottai railway route around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, according to The Hindu.
The collision took place near kilometre stone 676, on the stretch between Senkottai and Bhagavathipuram. Officials believe the deceased animal was approximately six to seven years old.
Railway staff informed forest authorities about the incident, who then sent a team to the location. Forest officials have taken custody of the carcass for a necropsy and legal procedures.
The site is located within the Tamil Nadu Forest department's jurisdiction, near mango orchards and human settlements. Local residents noted that these orchards do not have solar fencing.
The Punalur-Senkottai rail line passes through the Western Ghats, where nighttime wildlife encounters are frequent. Residents of nearby Aryankavu have expressed fear following a recent increase in animal encounters and attacks.
This incident follows a similar occurrence six months ago when the Palaruvi Express had to stop near Ottakkal in Thenmala because a wild elephant was on the tracks.