A radio-collared tiger was found dead in Compartment No. 159 of Manegaon Beat under the Mohali Range in the core area of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. The tiger was translocated from Kanha Tiger Reserve around a month back and his location was stopped at a location since two days. The tiger had been fitted with a radio collar on the intervening night of January 18 and 19 and was subsequently released into the core forest area of the reserve. Since then, a dedicated monitoring team had been continuously tracking its movement. Forest officials grew concerned when the tiger’s location remained stationary for two consecutive days. Upon reaching the spot for verification, the monitoring team found the tiger dead. On Monday morning, a dog squad conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area. Water sources near the carcass, as well as other nearby water bodies, were examined using litmus paper to test pH levels and detect any possible contamination.

 

However, no suspicious findings emerged from these tests. Following the protocol laid down by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a post-mortem was conducted in the presence of senior officials and experts. The examination was carried out by Dr Sanjeev Gupta, Senior Wildlife Veterinarian from Panna Tiger Reserve, and a local veterinarian Dr Neeraj Thakur, posted at Rahli. The procedure was conducted in the presence of NTCA representative Dr Prashant Deshmukh and Conservator of Forests, Sagar, Ripudaman Singh Bhadoria. According to officials, the tiger’s skull was severely damaged and multiple bones were fractured. Deep canine bite marks were found on the body. Based on preliminary findings, NTCA expert Dr Prashant Deshmukh and senior wildlife veterinarian Dr Sanjeev Gupta have opined that the tiger was likely killed in a territorial fight with another tiger. After the post-mortem, the carcass was cremated in the presence of forest officials and experts, in compliance with NTCA guidelines.