Two tigers found dead in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district

ADILABAD: In a tragic turn of events, two tigers have reportedly lost their lives in a territorial dispute within Thadoba Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. This incident brings the total tiger deaths in the region to 11 within a span of just two and a half months.

The carcasses of the two tigers, discovered in Panghat Kuti, Khatoda Pond area of Beat No 338, Panghat Kuti Complex, Thadoba, Chandrapur district, indicated a possible conflict over their habitat. Notably, the body parts of both tigers remained intact, suggesting a territorial altercation rather than an external threat.

The forest department estimates that the two tigers, identified as T142 (a 6 to 7-year-old male) and T92 (a two-year-old female), likely perished between January 20 and 21. Post-mortem examinations conducted by veterinary officer Ravikant Khobragade revealed no external injuries, prompting suspicions that the deaths were a result of the territorial fight.

Following the post-mortem examinations, the carcasses were respectfully cremated. Samples were sent to a laboratory to determine the precise cause of death, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Notable authorities, including Tadoba Core Area deputy director Nandakishore Kale, forest range officer (Wildlife) Kolsa Rundan Katkar, Bandu Dhotre NTCA representative, WPSI representative Mukesh Bhandakkar, WII researcher Krishnan, and biologist Yashasweerao, visited the site where the carcasses were discovered.

The escalating number of tiger deaths in the forests of Chandrapur, adjacent to Adilabad district, is raising concerns among wildlife conservationists. Recently, two tigers were found deceased in the Kagaznagar forest division in Kumarambheem-Asifabad district, one due to a territorial altercation and the other succumbing to poisoning. Wildlife authorities are intensifying efforts to understand and address the factors contributing to these unfortunate events to ensure the preservation of the region’s tiger population.