Another Tiger Found Dead in Madhya Pradesh, Fourth in a Month
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Synopsis
The discovery of another dead tiger in Madhya Pradesh highlights the ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation. This unfortunate incident marks the fourth tiger death in a month, stirring concerns regarding the safety and protection of these majestic animals in India’s famed ‘Tiger State’. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause behind these alarming fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- Fourth tiger death in a month in Madhya Pradesh.
- Investigation ongoing but poaching ruled out.
- Starvation and dehydration likely causes of death.
- Noose found around tiger's neck indicating struggle.
- Tragic implications for wildlife conservation.
Bhopal, March 2 (NationPress) The lifeless body of another majestic tiger was discovered, concealed among the underbrush in the Balaghat forest area. This unfortunate event marks the fourth tiger death within a month, raising serious concerns over the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the big cat population in Madhya Pradesh, famously referred to as the ‘Tiger State’ of India.
L Krishnamoorthy, the Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator (wildlife) for Madhya Pradesh, confirmed this tragic finding to IANS, stating, "The tiger carcass was located in the Kodmi beat of the Mundiwara circle, within the Katangi range on Saturday."
While initial investigations have ruled out poaching, the case remains unresolved. "The investigation is ongoing," he added.
Preliminary observations by wildlife officials and veterinarians suggest that starvation and dehydration may have contributed to the tiger's demise.
“It was a male tiger. Evidence suggests it may have struggled against a cruel wire noose found around its neck,” the official noted.
The investigation reveals a tragic scenario, with a noose wrapped around the animal’s neck causing severe injuries that ultimately prevented it from feeding, leading to a slow and painful death.
Though the presence of a snare indicates a distressing narrative, insiders speculate that the tiger became ensnared in a trap typically used by poachers to capture warthogs, wild boars, and other creatures.
The tiger may have fought for survival while attempting to escape, with experts estimating it could have been trapped for about 15 days.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the day prior to the tiger's death, the staff had spotted it in the area, but its critical condition went unnoticed.
Sadly, when forest staff searched for the tiger on Saturday morning, they found its lifeless form hidden among the foliage. Upon notification, range officers quickly arrived, and senior officials were alerted; veterinarians conducted a post-mortem examination on-site before disposing of the remains.
The sinister wire snare around the tiger's neck is commonly used by hunters at the edge of fields to ensnare wild boars.
The Forest Department currently theorizes that the trap was meant for a boar, with the tiger being an unintended casualty. However, the possibility of poaching remains a concern.
In a related incident, another tiger carcass was discovered in the Karakati area, within the Pali range of the Umaria district's Forest Division, just two weeks prior. Nevertheless, forest officials have ruled out poaching since all body parts were intact.
