Nagpur: In a heart-wrenching incident, a full-grown tigress met a tragic demise in the core area of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra, on Monday evening. The incident, unfolding in front of tourists, has raised alarm bells and prompted investigations into a suspected case of poisoning, as reported by a local English daily.
According to the report, the unfortunate incident occurred in compartment number 531 within the Kutumba beat of East Pench range on the Sillari side. This marks the third tiger death within a span of just five days, adding to the grim tally of 11 tiger deaths in Maharashtra within the last three months. The recent spate of tiger fatalities underscores the urgency of addressing threats to the majestic big cats in their natural habitats.
On March 27, another tiger was discovered deceased in the Bhandara division, preceding the detection of a mutilated carcass in South Deori, Gondia, on March 30. These consecutive losses within a short timeframe have deepened concerns regarding the welfare and conservation efforts for tigers in the state.
Eyewitnesses, including tourists who were on an evening safari in Pench, provided chilling accounts of the tigress’s final moments. The majestic feline was sighted near the irrigation pump house area, where it appeared to drink water before displaying distressing symptoms. Tourists observed the tigress exhibiting abnormal breathing, followed by vomiting, and ultimately succumbing to immobility within a distressingly short span of time.
The sudden and tragic demise of the tigress has led authorities to consider the possibility of poisoning. The swift onset of symptoms and the absence of visible external injuries have prompted suspicions regarding potential foul play or inadvertent exposure to toxic substances.
The alarming frequency of tiger deaths, including this recent incident, underscores the urgent need for heightened conservation measures and enhanced protection of endangered species within their natural habitats. Stakeholders, including wildlife officials, conservationists, and local communities, must collaborate closely to identify and mitigate threats to tiger populations, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The untimely demise of the tigress in Pench Tiger Reserve serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious existence faced by these magnificent creatures in the wild. As investigations continue into the suspected case of poisoning, it is imperative for authorities to bolster efforts aimed at safeguarding tigers and preserving their natural habitats for future generations.
