What Happened to the Tigress Found Dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve?

Synopsis
A recent tragedy struck the Kanha Tiger Reserve as a tigress was found dead, raising alarms about the safety of wildlife in the area. This incident is part of a troubling trend of tiger fatalities in the region. Discover the details surrounding this heartbreaking event and its implications for the tiger population.
Key Takeaways
- The recent death of a tigress highlights ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation.
- Heavy rainfall and landslides pose significant threats to the safety of tigers.
- A thorough forensic examination is essential for understanding the causes of wildlife fatalities.
- Authorities are actively investigating to ensure the protection of remaining tiger populations.
- Community involvement and awareness are crucial for conservation efforts.
Bhopal, May 28 (NationPress) A tigress was discovered deceased in the Kanha Tiger Reserve, situated in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
The remains were located on Tuesday near the Sulkum river in the Mundidadar forest area of the Kanha Range.
The tigress, estimated to be between eight to ten years old, was found trapped between two rocks. Authorities suspect that she may have perished due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall, according to a forest official.
This unfortunate event marks the sixth tiger fatality in Kanha and its vicinity this year.
Earlier this year, a two-year-old female tiger died in January, followed by a 13-year-old tigress in February, a five-year-old male tiger in March, and a 15-month-old tigress along with a six-month-old cub in April.
Out of these incidents, five occurred within the park, while one was reported near its borders.
In accordance with standard operating procedures, immediate steps were taken following the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
A detailed examination of the surrounding area was conducted with the assistance of a dog squad. Samples were sent for forensic analysis to ascertain the precise cause of death.
The remains were cremated in the presence of officials from the forest department, the tehsildar, the local sarpanch, and a representative from the NTCA.
A forest crime case has been initiated, and an investigation is currently in progress.
The ongoing fatalities of tigers, tigresses, and cubs in the Kanha National Park and its adjacent regions have raised significant concerns.
“Preliminary findings indicate that all organs of the tigress were intact, however, a forensic examination is necessary to confirm the precise cause of death. While a natural disaster seems to be the cause, authorities continue to investigate to eliminate any other possibilities,” officials stated.
This recent loss further impacts the diminishing tiger population in Kanha.