A tigress was found dead in Kanhari forest area under Kanha range of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, on Sunday. Forest officials initiated immediate action following guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and office of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh. According to Field Director of Kanha Tiger Reserve, forest patrolling team found the carcass of a tigress at Kanhari forest area on Sunday morning. Learning about the incident, forest officers along with team of veterinarians reached the spot and started investigation. Primarily, the site was secured and a thorough search operation was conducted with the help of a dog squad in and around the area.

 

A post-mortem examination was carried out by a team of veterinarians, including wildlife expert Dr Sandeep Agrawal and other officials. According to preliminary findings, all body parts of the tigress were intact, ruling out poaching. However, injury marks were found on the body. Experts suspect that the tigress may have been killed in a territorial fight with another tiger. Following standard protocol, the carcass was cremated in the presence of senior forest officials, local administration representatives, wildlife experts and independent observers. The entire process was documented through photography and videography. A forest offence case has been registered and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of death.