A female tiger cub rescued from the Mohgaon project area of Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation died during treatment at wildlife treatment centre in Mukki range of Kanha Tiger Reserve on Sunday. The cub was rescued on October 8 from Arouli village in the Mohgaon project area after it strayed into a populated area and injured a woman. Found alone and in a weak physical condition, the cub was placed under treatment and continuous medical observation by wildlife veterinary experts to improve its health and save its life. However, despite medical care, it died on October 18. Following the death, a post-mortem examination and cremation were conducted on Sunday in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

 

The post-mortem was jointly conducted by the wildlife veterinary officer of Kanha Tiger Reserve, the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Mandla, and a veterinarian from Baihar. After the examination, the carcass was cremated following the prescribed procedure. During the post-mortem, necessary body parts and biological samples were collected and sent to a forensic and pathological laboratory in Jabalpur for examination. Officials said the exact cause of death would become clearer after the laboratory reports are received. Kanha Tiger Reserve Field Director Ravindra Mani Tripathi, Assistant Director of Hallon range, Mukki Range Officer, NTCA representative Ranjit Satrusaliya, tehsildar, local public representatives and forest department officials and employees were present during the post-mortem and cremation. According to Forest Department, all procedures related to the examination and disposal of the carcass were completed in accordance with the prescribed protocols and applicable guidelines. The findings of the forensic and pathological examinations are expected to provide further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the cub’s death.