ADVERTISEMENT

Tiger and leopard found dead in Nagpur forest division

January 04, 2016 12:00 am | Updated September 22, 2016 09:46 pm IST - MUMBAI:

Deaths come within days of three tiger cubs dying of severe malnutrition, incidents raise questions on State's claims on animal safety

Mumbai: Nagpur: January 03, 2016:Tiger found death in Deolapa, Nagpur district, Maharastra on Sunday 03 Janaury 2016. Photo: S Sudarshan

While 2015 ended on a sad note with the death of three tiger cubs, 2016 turned sadder. A tiger and a leopard were found dead in Nagpur forest division on consecutive days, raising questions on the State’s claims of protection to tigers.

On Saturday at 3.30 pm, the body of a full-grown tiger, about 4-5 years old, was found near a lake in Umari village in Deolapar range of Ramtek tehsil. Interestingly, half-eaten bodies of a spotted deer and a wild boar were found close to the dead tiger.

“The tiger’s carcass was spotted by forest guard, who reported alerted the officials,” said Shree Bhagwan, principal chief conservator of forests. “The body was then taken for post-mortem. While the body was burnt later, viscera has been sent for further tests to find out the exact reason behind the tiger’s death.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr Bhagwan said the tiger was originally from a forest range in Madhya Pradesh and was roaming in this area probably to establish its territory. “At present, we do not think it is the case of poaching since all organs of the animal are intact. We will know about the reason once the viscera test reports are in,” he said.

The second incident took place Near Chimanazari in Nagpur forest division, where a leopard was found dead close to a railway track. According to the forest official, the leopard was hit by a moving train engine, resulting in its death.

Last week, three tiger cubs were found dead in Vidarbha due to severe malnutrition. Their mother is said to be missing. The State government has announced the formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising officers from CBI, forest department and local police to probe the case.

ADVERTISEMENT

“These incidents are shocking. The two deaths show the need for proper protection to tigers and leopards outside the tiger reserves, specially in the corridors,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for tiger protection since last 15 years.

This is a Premium article available exclusively to our subscribers. To read 250+ such premium articles every month
You have exhausted your free article limit.
Please support quality journalism.
You have exhausted your free article limit.
Please support quality journalism.
The Hindu operates by its editorial values to provide you quality journalism.
This is your last free article.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT