Bhubaneswar: In 11 months, tiger-starved Odisha lost two of its majestic big cats in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) that is said to be on a revival path in terms of habitat restoration for more tigers.
While in March last year, a melanistic tiger died apparently due to infighting, the death of a normal adult cat on Thursday still remains a mystery with Similipal authorities yet to ascertain the cause of death. Considering that the big cat had no external injury nor did it have symptoms of poisoning, the authorities are yet to find out what led to the fatality.
Wildlife experts said once the cause of death is known, it will help chalk out intervention to check further fatalities.
Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), said when the adult tigers leave their mothers, some may die of natural causes. “There could be compatibility issues or diseases. There are such instances of adult tigers dying naturally in other sanctuaries and reserves in India,” he said.
A male melanistic tiger that was about three-and-a-half-years old, was found dead in Nawna (south) range of the reserve, the only habitat in the world that has more than 10 such big cats. The death of a normal tiger has come days before the forest department is supposed to publish the state-wide tiger census report. Similipal authorities have been claiming there are at least 30 tigers in the reserve. Minus the two deaths, the number could fall below 30. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in July last year had pegged the state’s big cat population at 20.
Anup Nayak, former NTCA member secretary, said adult tigers fall victim to angry villagers also. “If tigers stray close to human habitat and kill domestic cattle, the villagers harbour revenge. At times, they nurture anger against the authorities. However, it should be strictly investigated to ascertain the exact reason since there has been no report of infighting, he said.
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While in March last year, a melanistic tiger died apparently due to infighting, the death of a normal adult cat on Thursday still remains a mystery with Similipal authorities yet to ascertain the cause of death. Considering that the big cat had no external injury nor did it have symptoms of poisoning, the authorities are yet to find out what led to the fatality.
Wildlife experts said once the cause of death is known, it will help chalk out intervention to check further fatalities.
Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), said when the adult tigers leave their mothers, some may die of natural causes. “There could be compatibility issues or diseases. There are such instances of adult tigers dying naturally in other sanctuaries and reserves in India,” he said.
A male melanistic tiger that was about three-and-a-half-years old, was found dead in Nawna (south) range of the reserve, the only habitat in the world that has more than 10 such big cats. The death of a normal tiger has come days before the forest department is supposed to publish the state-wide tiger census report. Similipal authorities have been claiming there are at least 30 tigers in the reserve. Minus the two deaths, the number could fall below 30. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in July last year had pegged the state’s big cat population at 20.
Anup Nayak, former NTCA member secretary, said adult tigers fall victim to angry villagers also. “If tigers stray close to human habitat and kill domestic cattle, the villagers harbour revenge. At times, they nurture anger against the authorities. However, it should be strictly investigated to ascertain the exact reason since there has been no report of infighting, he said.
We also published the following articles recently
Royal Bengal tiger found dead in Similipal
A Royal Bengal tiger was found dead at Duduruchampa in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The carcass was discovered by a patrolling team of the Similipal tiger reserve. An autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death. Samples were sent for analysis.
A Royal Bengal tiger was found dead at Duduruchampa in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The carcass was discovered by a patrolling team of the Similipal tiger reserve. An autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death. Samples were sent for analysis.
Ludhiana Tiger Safari loses its lone big cat, Nav
Ludhiana Safari has lost a total of eight big cats since 2013, including tigers Deepak and Money, tigresses Chirag and Ichhran. Chirag and Ichhran were brought in 2020, but both died. Efforts to acquire more tigers were delayed due to the Covid pandemic and lockdown.
Ludhiana Safari has lost a total of eight big cats since 2013, including tigers Deepak and Money, tigresses Chirag and Ichhran. Chirag and Ichhran were brought in 2020, but both died. Efforts to acquire more tigers were delayed due to the Covid pandemic and lockdown.
Telangana wildlife board OKs Kawal tiger conservation zone
Telangana State Wildlife Board approved the establishment of Kawal tiger corridor conservation zone, a bison sanctuary, and increased compensation for wildlife attack deaths. The board also endorsed proposals for cellphone and T-Fiber connectivity, a conservation reserve linking Kawal Tiger Reserve and Tadoba Tiger Reserve, and discussions on establishing a dedicated sanctuary for elephants.
Telangana State Wildlife Board approved the establishment of Kawal tiger corridor conservation zone, a bison sanctuary, and increased compensation for wildlife attack deaths. The board also endorsed proposals for cellphone and T-Fiber connectivity, a conservation reserve linking Kawal Tiger Reserve and Tadoba Tiger Reserve, and discussions on establishing a dedicated sanctuary for elephants.