MP forest dept’s ‘two-faced trick’ to outsmart tigers, save Mahua & tendu collectors

Bhopal: A human face staring from the back of the head may look unusual in a village, but in the tiger forests of Madhya Pradesh, it is being seen as a potential lifesaver.

As hundreds of villagers enter forests each day to collect Mahua flowers and tendu leaves, seasonal forest produce that supports livelihoods across tribal belts, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has rolled out an unusual experiment: rear-facing human masks designed to confuse ambush predators, particularly tigers.

The innovative experiment aims to reduce fatal tiger attacks during the seasonal collection period, when thousands of tribal villagers enter forests daily for livelihood activities.

Forest officials believe the rear-facing masks could disrupt a tiger’s hunting instinct by creating the illusion that a person is watching from both directions. Since tigers are ambush predators that usually attack from behind, the apparent “eye contact” may force the animal to hesitate.

The urgency behind the initiative intensified following multiple cases wherein villagers were mauled to death by a tiger near tiger reserves while collecting Mahua flowers and tendu leaves.

“The idea is to create confusion and buy time. Tigers rely heavily on stealth and surprise. If an animal feels it has been spotted, even momentarily, it may hesitate or abandon an ambush,” a forest official associated with the awareness drive said.

Across villages bordering forests in Balaghat, officials have begun distributing the masks, particularly targeting Mahua flower and tendu leaf collectors who venture deep into forests during early morning hours when predator movement is high.

“The problem is particularly acute during Mahua and tendu seasons because people remain crouched for long periods while collecting produce. Tigers may mistake movement patterns and body posture for prey,” an official said.

The masks being distributed also carry printed safety messages advising villagers to move in groups, avoid isolated routes, remain alert and avoid venturing too deep into dense patches alone and after dusk.

Wildlife experts say the concept is rooted in behavioural science rather than folklore. Similar experiments involving backward-facing masks and artificial eyes have been attempted in predator-conflict zones elsewhere, based on the theory that big cats and other predators are less likely to strike when they believe they are being watched. Officials, however, stress that the masks are not foolproof.

“Tigers are unpredictable” said an officer, adding that the mask is only one layer of precaution.