Nagpur: A male tiger, approximately 3-4 years old, was found dead in the Nakadongri forest range under the Bhandara Forest Division on Monday evening. The discovery was made by a herder, who informed forest officials around 4:30 PM.
Upon receiving the information, a team of forest officers and staff rushed to the location in Compartment No. 65 of the Sitasaongi Reserved Forest. During the inspection, officials found injuries on the tiger’s face, neck, and hind legs. However, all body parts were intact, ruling out the possibility of poaching.
Following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, a special investigation team was formed to examine the site and the carcass. The team included Pankaj Deshmukh, Representative of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra; Jude Pitcher, a member of SEAT NGO, representing NTCA; and the Honorary Wildlife Warden of Bhandara. A veterinary team comprising Dr. Barapatre, Dr. Nandeshwar, and Dr. Ashish Gatkal has been assigned to conduct the post-mortem on February 18 to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary findings suggest that the tiger may have died in a territorial fight with another tiger.
To establish the cause of death conclusively, forensic samples will be sent for further examination. Meanwhile, a wildlife offense case has been registered, and an investigation is underway under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forests Rahul Gawai.