SETBACK: Tiger succumbs, two cubs die in a day at Kanha

 

 

 

 

 

Right on second day of opening of tiger safari, Kanha Tiger Reserve witnessed two tragic incidents on October 2, resulting in the deaths of two tiger cubs and an adult male tiger. In the first case, two cubs, aged between 1-2 months, were found dead in Compartment No. 119 of Mundidadar beat under Kanha Forest Range. The incident came to light when a local elephant patrolling team noticed the carcasses of the cubs. A male tiger was seen prowling near the site, while the tigress was observed roaming nearby.

 

This led to the conclusion that the cubs were killed in an attack by the tiger. Following standard protocol issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), New Delhi, and the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh, the site was secured and examined with the help of a dog squad. The post-mortem was conducted by Dr Sandeep Agrawal, Wildlife Health Officer (Kanha TR, Mandla) and Dr Ashish Vaidh, Veterinary Officer, Baihar. All organs of the cubs were found intact. The carcasses were disposed of through cremation in the presence of Field Director Ravi Mani Tripathi, Deputy Director (Core) Puneet Goyal, Assistant Director Suraj Singh Sendram, Executive Magistrate Kailash Kol, local Panchayat representatives, and NTCA’s Shivangi Bendre from Corbett Foundation. The entire procedure was photographed and videographed. A wildlife case has been registered and further investigation is underway. In the second incident, also on October 2, a patrolling team in Mawala beat of Mukki Range witnessed a territorial conflict between two tigers. One of the tigers succumbed to injuries in the fight. The carcass was secured as per the NTCA protocols.

 

The post-mortem was conducted on October 3, by Dr Sandeep Agrawal and Dr Ashish Kaip in the presence of Field Director Ravi Mani Tripathi, Field Biologist Ajinkya Deshmukh, Tehsildar Baihar, Sarpanch of Bamni Panchayat and NTCA representative Shivangi Bendre. The tiger’s body was found intact and cremation was carried out in the presence of officials and local representatives. The proceedings were documented through photography and videography. A wildlife case has been registered for further action. Officials confirmed that both deaths were caused by natural territorial conflicts, with no signs of foul play.