Tiger killed by wire trap in MP’s Satpura Reserve

NEW DELHI: A tragic incident in Madhya Pradesh has resulted in the death of another tiger and this time near the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Narmadapuram district. The tiger’s carcass was discovered on Wednesday in the Banspani beat of the Banpura range which is approximately 100km from Bhopal. Authorities believe the tiger died three to four days before its discovery.

Upon receiving the report late Wednesday evening, DFO Mayank Gurjar, along with SDO, Ranger, and other forest officials, immediately rushed to the scene. APCCF L Krishnamurthy stated that forest officers were alerted and swiftly responded. “Initial investigations suggest the tiger may have died due to electrocution. It appears the poachers set up an electric wire trap, likely intended for wild boar or deer, but the tiger fell victim. The carcass was dragged and concealed. The organs are intact and a thorough probe is underway,” explained an officer.

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The carcass was found in a badly decomposed state and the final autopsy report will confirm the exact cause of death whether due to poaching, disease, or another factor. Banspani forest which is part of the Seoni Banapura division is well known for its dense vegetation and frequent tiger movement.

Unfortunately, poachers’ traps for bushmeat often end up killing tigers and leopards. In a related incident last month a tiger nicknamed ‘Chhota Bheem’ by foresters was rescued from a wire trap at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria. The tiger was estimated to be 6 to 7 years old and was in critical condition and was immediately transferred to Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal for treatment.

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The rescued tiger sustained deep wounds around its neck, likely caused by the wire, and several fractures in its right front leg. Wildlife experts and veterinarians at Van Vihar are working around the clock to stabilize the tiger’s condition.

This recent incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced anti-poaching measures in the region. Authorities are investigating the involvement of additional individuals in the crime and are committed to bringing the culprits to justice. Increased patrols, community engagement, and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws are essential to safeguarding India’s precious tiger population.