The sub-adult male tiger which was frequently venturing in Butibori industrial area for last 15 days, was found dead on railway tracks near Jamtha, close to pole number 819/22, on Tuesday late night. The carcass was found in an area adjoining the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium and the Brahmakumaris Ashram in Jamtha. The tiger, estimated to be around 1.5 years old, was discovered within the limits of the Butibori forest range. Upon receiving information, Forest personnel reached the spot and began preliminary examination of the carcass. After preliminary investigation, the post-mortem of the carcass took place in Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Seminary Hills. “The incident took place after a passing train struck the big cat and the death happened due to head injury,” claimed a senior Forest officer. As per the information, the big cat was roaming close to villages in Butibori Extension area for the last 15 days and it was first noticed near Adani Power Plant in Butibori by some passer-by.

 

“The tiger killed a bovine in Butibori forest area few days ago. We installed camera traps close to the carcass of the cattle to monitor the movement of the big cat. We also monitored the stripes pattern and after matching both the patterns, we can say that both tigers are same,” claimed the senior officer. As per the information, the sub-adult tiger came from Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR) and was supposed to go to Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS). But it stayed long in Butibori as it found easy prey base there, claimed the Forest officer. The incident has once again brought to spotlight the growing concern over wildlife fatalities along railway lines cutting through forested and buffer zones around Nagpur. Forest officials are conducting further inquiries and are co-ordinating with Railway authorities to examine the sequence of events that led to the suspected incident.

 

“This incident is deeply concerning. Increasing deaths of tigers and the rising incidents of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) in Nagpur demand immediate and serious planning. Wildlife conservation cannot be addressed in isolation. Co-ordinated involvement of all line departments is essential, especially in the scientific planning of linear infrastructure to ensure wildlife protection and to prevent and mitigate HWC,” said Ajinkya Bhatkar, Honorary Wildlife Warden, Nagpur. “Strengthening wildlife monitoring in territorial forest areas, equipping frontline staff with adequate resources, and enhancing their capacity through regular training is the need of the hour,” said Bhatkar.