THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is preparing to establish its second animal hospice centre for big cats, aimed at rehabilitating injured and aged tigers and leopards that stray into human settlements. The new facility will be located near the Peruvannamoozhy forest range in Kozhikode district.
Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict
The state has reported frequent incidents of tigers entering villages in Wayanad, Palakkad, Idukki, and northern districts, preying on livestock and occasionally attacking people. Wildlife officials say old or injured animals, particularly those unable to hunt effectively, often venture into human habitats in search of easy prey.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J Justin Mohan emphasized the importance of such facilities:
“Animals that lose their hunting ability cannot be released back into the wild immediately. A hospice with palliative care ensures their wellbeing, and those fit can eventually be reintroduced into the forests.”
Project Details
- Capacity: Eight tigers or leopards
- Cost: ₹1.58 crore, funded by KIIFB
- Implementing Agency: State Forest Development Agency
- Timeline: Tenders invited; work to begin soon
Currently, Kerala has one hospice for big cats at Kuppady in Wayanad, set up in 2021 with capacity for seven animals. Since its inception, the centre has rehabilitated 15 tigers without any reported deaths. Encouraged by its success, the state has decided to expand the initiative.
A Step Toward Conservation
With around 215 of India’s 3,700 tigers residing in Kerala, conservation efforts remain vital. Shrinking prey bases, habitat disturbances, and injuries due to age or conflict are the main reasons big cats stray into villages.
The new Peruvannamoozhy hospice is part of Kerala’s broader plan to mitigate human-wildlife conflict while safeguarding its tiger population.