Bhopal: The tiger death toll in Madhya Pradesh has climbed to 25 this year, following the discovery of a dead cub in Kanha Tiger Reserve in Mandla and another tiger death under suspicious circumstances in Balaghat district.
Cub Found Dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve
In Kanha, a male tiger cub was found dead near Bada Amahi Nala in the Sarhi–Nakan beat area of the Sarhi forest range during routine monitoring on Friday. This incident comes just days after its sibling was found dead on Tuesday, raising serious concerns about the survival of the litter.
Forest officials immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols. A trained dog squad was deployed to assist in the operation. During the search, the cub's mother and remaining siblings were sighted nearby, indicating that the family group was still present in the area.
A post-mortem examination was conducted by veterinary teams from Jabalpur, Motinala, and Bichhiya. Preliminary findings revealed no external injuries or signs of poaching, with all internal organs intact. However, the stomach was found empty, suggesting the cub had not eaten for a considerable period. Officials suspect starvation or illness as possible causes of death.
Second Tiger Death in Balaghat
In a separate incident, a tiger carcass was discovered in Compartment No 1618 of Jatta Beat in the East Baihar range under Balaghat Forest Division. Officials reported that the carcass was found with missing canine teeth, raising suspicion over the cause of death. The site was secured and extensively searched following NTCA guidelines and directions from the chief wildlife warden.
A post-mortem conducted by wildlife expert Dr. Amol Rokade confirmed that except for the missing teeth, all other body parts were intact. A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in tiger conservation in the state. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and implement measures to protect the remaining tiger population.
