Mungeli, Chhattisgarh |
A young male tiger was found dead inside the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, with officials confirming that the animal died following a territorial fight with another tiger.
According to forest authorities, the tiger’s body was discovered on January 25 during routine patrol operations by the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the Kuterpani compartment of the Sarasdol range. The area was immediately secured, and senior wildlife officials were informed.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on January 26 by a team of veterinarians in the presence of a committee formed under the Standard Operating Procedures of India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Officials said all body parts, including teeth, claws, and skin, were found intact, ruling out poaching.
The autopsy revealed that the tiger, estimated to be around two years old, died after suffering a broken neck during a violent encounter with another male tiger. Bite marks consistent with tiger canines were found on the lower neck region, confirming death due to inter-tiger conflict.
Investigators also observed several signs of a territorial struggle at the site, including broken tree branches, scratch marks, tiger scat, and tufts of hair. Hair belonging to another tiger was found lodged in the claws and paws of the deceased animal, further supporting the conclusion.
Forest officials said the second tiger involved in the fight has been identified and is being closely monitored through camera traps and field tracking. Internal organ samples have been preserved and sent for laboratory analysis in line with NTCA protocols.
After completion of all legal and veterinary procedures, the tiger’s body was cremated in the presence of authorized officials and members of the post-mortem committee.
Senior officials from the forest department, NTCA representatives, wildlife veterinarians, and reserve authorities were present throughout the operation. The official press release was approved by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Chhattisgarh.