The skeleton of a carnivorous wild animal was found during a monsoon patrol in the Majhkheta beat of the Tala Range of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria. The discovery of the skeleton in the dense and inaccessible forest created a stir within the Forest Department, prompting senior officials to immediately arrive at the scene. Upon receiving the information, the Field Director, Deputy Director, and Wildlife Health Officer arrived at the scene with their teams. Given the seriousness of the matter, a search was conducted with the help of a dog squad and the entire area was also checked with a metal detector to ensure no suspicious objects were missed.

 

After an initial examination, a doctor suspected it to be a tiger skeleton. On Friday, following the rules and guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the skeleton was thoroughly examined in front of officials. Necessary biological samples were taken to determine the species and whether it belonged to a male or female. After completing all the paperwork and legal formalities, the skeleton was cremated on the spot. A special team from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is investigating the entire matter. Only after the scientific laboratory report is received will it be clear which tiger the skeleton actually belonged to, its age, and the circumstances of its death.