Rare Tiger Return Near Hampi Sparks Concern and Hope in Karnataka

For the first time in nearly five decades, a tiger has been recorded near the historic town of Hampi, indicating a possible resurgence of the species in the region. Camera traps set in the Kiskindha hills of Kolar district captured the feline’s presence, marking the first sighting since the 1970s.

Experts believe the animal may have established a new territory in the Kiskindha range, potentially travelling through the Srisailam wildlife corridor that links Andhra Pradesh’s forests with Karnataka.

The recent capture of an injured tigress near Chamraj Nagar underscores the growing interactions between humans and big cats as these predators expand into previously unoccupied habitats. Authorities have urged locals to avoid solitary trips in forested areas and to refrain from sleeping outdoors at night.

Conservationists view the sightings as a hopeful sign for tiger recovery, while simultaneously calling for heightened vigilance and community awareness to prevent future conflicts.