The State
A young radio-collared tiger brought under a conservation plan was found dead inside a tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, triggering serious questions about monitoring and wildlife protection.
The body of a 3-4-year-old male tiger was discovered on February 15 in the Manegaon Beat of the Mohli Range of Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
Officials said the tiger’s location remained unchanged for nearly two days before a patrol team reached the site.
Forest officials found pugmarks of another tiger nearby and believe a territorial fight may be the likely cause.
The final cause will be confirmed after the detailed report is released.
Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey filed a complaint alleging serious monitoring failure.
He claimed:
He demanded:
The incident comes ahead of plans to introduce cheetahs in the same landscape area.
Activists warned:
Forest officials, however, maintained territorial clashes are natural in expanding tiger habitats and denied any foul play so far.