NEW DELHI: A tragic incident has come to light in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh as the carcass of a tigress was discovered in a well lacking a parapet near Riddi village. This incident follows closely on the heels of another tiger’s carcass found in the Pench Reserve which raises concerns about the safety of these endangered animals.
Sub Divisional Forest Officer Yugesh Patel revealed that marks on the scene suggested the tigress struggled to escape the well with no signs of poaching detected. The forest department adhered to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines for carcass disposal and ensuring proper handling and investigation.
This marks the fourth tiger fatality in the district over the last six weeks, with incidents distributed between Pench Reserve and other forest areas. The recent deaths emphasize the need for enhanced protective measures for these endangered cats. Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh is home to an estimated 65 tigers.
The NTCA guidelines provide a framework for the scientific management of tiger reserves and the protection of tiger habitats. These guidelines include measures for habitat improvement, anti-poaching efforts, and community involvement in conservation activities. The forest department is now focusing on identifying and addressing potential hazards in forest areas to prevent such incidents in the future. Efforts are being made to install parapets around wells and other dangerous structures to protect wildlife.
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Four days ago, a tiger in the 2-3 year age group was also found dead in Pench Tiger Reserve Seoni district. It may have died in a territorial fight, Pench Tiger Reserve’s deputy director Rajneesh Singh said. “The carcass was discovered by a patrolling team in West Khamreet beat under Mowgli Sanctuary in Kurai after the smell of rotting flesh pervaded the area. Traces of bleeding were found at the spot. A dog squad searched the area and no sign of poaching was found,” he said.
The local community is also engaged in conservation efforts with awareness programs and training sessions being conducted to educate residents about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.