Fri Jun 13 19:35:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Forest Department in Tirupattur, India has deployed camera traps in Pallur and Panathoppu villages near the Sanakuppam Reserve Forest in response to resident reports of leopard sightings. While no leopard activity has been captured on camera yet, officials are taking the reports seriously, advising residents to be cautious, particularly at night. The Sanakuppam Reserve Forest is a large forest tract connected to a wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. Officials have increased surveillance despite the lack of evidence, and are taking preventative measures.
**News Article:**
**Leopard Sightings Prompt Surveillance in Tirupattur Villages**
*Tirupattur, India – June 14, 2025* – Following reports from villagers, the Forest Department in Tirupattur has launched a surveillance operation in Pallur and Panathoppu, villages bordering the Sanakuppam Reserve Forest (RF) in the Ambur forest range. Three camera traps have been set up in the area in an attempt to document any leopard activity.
Local residents, primarily farmers grazing cattle near the forest, have reported possible leopard sightings in recent weeks. “We have fixed cameras in a few spots where residents said they saw the animal,” stated D. Babu, forest range officer (Ambur). “No leopard movement has been captured in the camera so far. We have asked the residents to stay indoors during night.”
The Sanakuppam RF, spanning 7,000 hectares, is the largest of seven reserves in the Ambur forest range and is connected to the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Forest officials have inspected the area but have found no definitive evidence of leopard presence, such as pugmarks, and note the terrain offers limited hiding places for the predator.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, officials are taking precautionary measures. Residents are advised to travel in groups and properly secure their livestock sheds with fences and lighting.
The Forest Department also reminds the public that in 2024, a three-year-old male leopard was relocated to the Madakadappa RF after being found near a school in Tirupattur town.
A helpline has been established (9786254998) for reporting any suspected predator activity. The public is urged to contact the Forest Department immediately if they observe any unusual animal sightings.
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