Tiger Found Dead in Telangana Suspected Victim of Poisoning

The lifeless body of a male tiger was discovered in the Kagaznagar forest, raising suspicions of foul play. Forest officials in Telangana suspect that the tiger, approximately five or six years old, may have succumbed to poisoning. The incident adds to the concerns surrounding the conservation of wildlife in the region.

Poisoning Suspected

The tiger’s carcass, found near a local stream, exhibited signs of a loosened snare around its neck, indicating potential foul play. Forest officials, after preliminary investigations, lean towards poisoning as the likely cause of death. Adding to the complexity of the situation, the carcass of a cow, believed to have been poisoned and utilized as bait, was also discovered in close proximity to the dead tiger.

Official Inspection and Investigations

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Telangana R M Dobriyal, along with a team appointed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), conducted an on-site inspection. The team, which included veterinary surgeons, is actively involved in the initial investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the tiger’s demise.

Culprit Pursuit and FIR Lodged

Local forest staff, in collaboration with law enforcement, are intensifying efforts to apprehend the individual or individuals responsible for the suspected poisoning. An FIR has been lodged at the local police station, and samples from the scene have been sent to a laboratory for forensic analysis.

Second Tragic Incident in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad

This marks the second reported case of a tiger’s death in the Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district within a short span. On January 6, a carcass of a one-and-a-half-year-old tigress was discovered in the Tiger corridor of Kawal Tiger Reserve. The earlier incident was determined to be a result of a “territorial fight” between tigers, as per the observations and investigations conducted by the authorities.

Concerns for Tiger Conservation

The successive deaths of tigers in the region raise concerns about wildlife conservation efforts. Authorities are determined to address the challenges and safeguard these endangered species, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.