Tigress, cub’s death at BTR triggers debate on social media
   Date :19-Oct-2020

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By Ankita Garg :
 
Recent death of tigress and cub at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) has triggered a debate on social media with various criticisms and allegations on the Forest Department as well as the conservation plan. While a few activists reported it as a natural killing by a male tiger, a few activists are alleging it a case of poisoning. The Forest Department kept mum over the issue and said that they are waiting for the post-mortem report. Social media was also flooded with rumours that rampaging elephant groups have throttled the tigress and the cub.
 
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ BTR Field Director Vincent Raheem said, “The team is continuously patrolling in every possible area. A lady ranger, who is also a mother, has visited the spot many times during late night hours as she was concerned for the tiger cubs. We have found fresh carcass of a tigress and cub that proves our intense patrolling.” He further added, “First we found carcass of the tigress and then the cub was found unresponsive after two days so we cannot go for any conclusion. One cub is alive and under observance of veterinary doctors.” He said, the tigress (T-42) and cubs were being spotted for a week and efforts were being made to drive them off in core area with the help of 8 elephants.
 
He said a few days back, T-42 was spotted with a wound on her body after a fight with the male tiger. Veterinary doctors went to visit the tigress on elephant too. Abdulgafoor Khan, former ranger officer, who has served in the Forest Department for 40 years said, “Dense population of tigers and availability of natural prey can be a reason for such incidents. We cannot criticise this while we should find out a solution.”