By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 18 May: A full-grown male tiger was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Kalagarh Range of the Corbett Tiger Reserve this morning, triggering concern among the forest officials and the wildlife conservationists. The carcass of the tiger was discovered during a routine patrol operation in the Dhara Block under Dhara Beat Compartment No 12 near an auxiliary stream of a natural water source within the reserve forest area.
According to the forest department officials, the patrolling team noticed the tiger lying motionless at around 9:10 a.m. during regular surveillance activities in the sensitive forest zone. Soon after receiving information from the patrol personnel, senior forest authorities rushed to the spot and carried out an immediate inspection of the area.
The officials claimed that all the body parts of the tiger were found intact, providing initial relief amid concerns of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. A detailed combing operation and search exercise were subsequently conducted around the site to look for any suspicious objects, traps, poison traces or signs of human interference. However, no suspicious activity or material was reportedly found during the search operation.
As per the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for wildlife deaths, a panel of veterinary experts conducted the post-mortem examination of the tiger in the presence of the forest officials, the staff members and the representatives associated with wildlife conservation organisations, including WWF. Following the examination, the carcass was disposed of in accordance with wildlife protocols laid down by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The veterinary experts who examined the carcass estimated the age of the tiger to be between eight and ten years. During the post-mortem process, vital internal organ samples and other biological specimens were collected and preserved for forensic and pathological analysis. These samples are being sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehradun to ascertain the exact cause of death. The forest officials said the actual reason behind the tiger’s death would only become clear after the laboratory and toxicology reports are received.
Senior officials present at the site included Rahul Mishra, IFS, Deputy Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer Binder Pal, senior veterinary officer Dr Dushyant Sharma, Dr Rahul Sati, range officials, forest guards and other personnel from the Kalagarh Range.
The incident has once again drawn attention towards wildlife conservation challenges in Uttarakhand, particularly in and around Corbett Tiger Reserve, which is regarded as one of India’s most prominent tiger habitats. Spread across the districts of Nainital and Pauri Garhwal, Corbett Tiger Reserve has consistently recorded one of the highest tiger populations in the country. According to the latest All India Tiger Estimation report and state forest department data, Uttarakhand has witnessed a steady increase in tiger numbers over the past decade, with Corbett landscape continuing to remain a crucial habitat for big cats.
However, wildlife experts have repeatedly pointed out that increasing tiger density, territorial conflicts among adult males, shrinking habitat corridors, human interference and forest fire incidents often create stress conditions for wildlife in the region. In recent years, several tiger deaths in Uttarakhand have reportedly been linked to territorial fights, old age, injuries, electrocution, poisoning and natural causes, although poaching remains a major concern for forest authorities nationwide.
The forest officials asserted said regular monitoring, camera trap surveillance and anti-poaching patrols are continuously being carried out in Corbett and adjoining forest divisions to ensure the safety of wildlife. The reserve authorities have also intensified vigilance in view of the ongoing summer season, when forest areas become more vulnerable to fire incidents and wildlife movement near water sources increases significantly. The officials maintained that every aspect related to the incident is being scientifically investigated.
