Carcass of an adult male tiger was found at the banks of Charanganga near the main entrance of Tala range in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, on Wednesday. In prima facie of the investigation, park administration found that the tiger was most likely killed in a territorial conflict with another tiger as the carcass had canine marks on back and pug marks of another tiger were also found on the spot. Chief Conservator of Forest and In-charge Field Director, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Lakhan Lal Uike, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, informed that a forest patrolling team found the carcass of an adult tiger aged around 7-10 years in RF-336 near around 500-metres from main entrance of Tala range at the bank of Charanganga river. Learning about the incident, he along with other officers and team of veterinarians reached the spot and started investigations into the case.

 

In prima facie of the investigation, team found that the carcass has severe injuries on its back caused due to bites by another big cat. They have also found pug marks of another adult tiger on the spot and it has been expected that the tiger was killed in conflict with another tiger. Separate teams have been constituted for finding another tiger to take stock of its health as another tiger may also sustained injuries in the conflict. A team of veterinarians conducted autopsy on the spot and viscera was preserved for further scientific investigation to ascertain reason behind the death of tiger. The tiger was set ablaze in the forest area as per standard operation procedure of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).