Following the death of tiger in Pench National Park just
when first case of coronavirus was detected in tigers, 7 more tiger deaths have
been reported in Madhya Pradesh during the lockdown period. The number of
deaths reported in tigers during lockdown is much lower than the actual number,
which is likely around 20.
The number of tiger deaths reported in the country since January
2020 till date is over 28. MP had reported the highest number of tiger deaths
in the country in 2019 and 2019.
In 2019, 27 big cats reportedly died in the state forests
and surroundings, according to the figures collated by the National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA). The same number was recorded in 2018 with
highest number of tiger deaths in the country.
MP had earned the title of Tiger State in tiger census 2018,
but it seems to be going downhill from there.
As recorded, more than 50 percent of these tiger deaths are
reported during lockdown in tiger reserves. Rest are reported to be outside
reserve areas.
The escalating number of tiger deaths is unexpected and the
exact reason for the spike is not known.
Tiger deaths spiked due to infighting?
Forest officials admitted that the number even if taken on
estimates and with optimism is higher than the average monthly deaths reported
in tigers.
“If I take an estimate and calculate positively, the number
of deaths in tigers reported at 8 is 2 more than an average in a month,”
wildlife forest official said. The reported deaths are a matter of concern,
because they are not among the deaths reported in new born or aged tigers,
which are still considered normal.
“As of now, we are estimating the deaths to be a result of
infighting among tigers, because that is a natural and common process,” the
official said.
This week a tiger was found dead at a buffer zone in
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. As per records, the big cat had injuries marks and
lay dead at Panpatha buffer range.
The big cat found in Bandhavgarh was 10-year-old, which
means it is not evident that the tiger died from age. The circumstantial
evidence suggested that the tiger may have died in a fight with another big cat
since there were no bullet injuries on the carcass.
For a tiger, whose carcass was found by forest officials in
Chitrakoot jungle this week, an inquiry is underway. Though it is presumed to
have died in domination fight, there are no evidence of the same as yet.
Case of poaching
Another case reported during lockdown was of tiger named
T-23, who was found dead in Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR). This was a case of
tiger poaching.
A forest guard Diwakar Sharma was arrested and body parts of
the tiger were seized from him. The tiger was found dead 10km away from the
sanctuary in compartment number 361 of Ambajhol beat of Khaknar range. The
carcass was first noticed by Dantpahadi locals who informed the foresters.
Tiger’s continue to suffer from sickness
Another tiger, who lost its life in MP, was found in Mukundpur
white tiger safari in Rewa district. It was seven year old Bengal tiger and not
a white tiger. As per officials it was not responding to treatment for days
before it died due to sickness.
The first case, where the tiger, was also suspected to be
suffering from coronavirus was reported in Pench. The male tiger was
10-year-old and named T-21.
Though forest had planned to test officials and front line
staff treating the tiger for covid-19, it was later ignored citing good health
of officials. The truth about coronavirus in tiger could not be known, as the carcass
was disposed as per guidelines.