The recent tiger deaths are not isolated incidents within Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Since 2020, a total of ten tigers have perished in the area, writes Biswajeet Banerjee
TTigers dying in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, known for its abundant biodiversity and thriving tiger population, has been struck by a series of perplexing deaths that have raised alarm bells. Over the past two weeks, three tigers and one leopard have tragically lost their lives, leaving the Forest Department deeply distressed and concerned. The negligence and inefficiency displayed by the monitoring teams responsible for safeguarding these endangered species are now under scrutiny. While two tigers and one leopard are believed to have died as a result of mutual conflict, another tiger was found dead in a waterhole. These incidents have exposed the inadequacies of the reserve's monitoring efforts.
"The recent spate of tiger deaths has highlighted the need to assess and strengthen ranger monitoring systems in Dudhwa National Park. Rangers play a critical role in safeguarding wildlife and enforcing conservation regulations. However, certain gaps and challenges need to be addressed to ensure their effectiveness," emphasized wildlife conservationist R.S. Bhadoria.
In response to the alarming series of incidents, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has launched an investigation into the tiger deaths at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. A team comprising retired IFS officer Shailesh Prasad, wildlife conservationist RK Singh, and NTCA official Hemant Singh has been formed, with a 15-day deadline to submit their report.
The distressing sequence of events began approximately two weeks ago when the lifeless bodies of two tigers and one leopard were discovered. Forest officials initially suspected a clash between the animals, but the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unresolved. Adding to the mystery, another tiger carcass was found in a pond in the Mailani range of the Kishanpur Sanctuary on June 9.
On examination, it was revealed that the tiger's body had been submerged in the pond for over a week, leading to advanced decomposition. This discovery raises questions about the Forest Department's claim of continuous monitoring. Despite assurances of round-the-clock surveillance, the tiger's remains went unnoticed for an extended period. It was only when the foul odor permeated the area that a search was initiated, ultimately leading to the grim discovery.
The post-mortem examination of the deceased tiger was conducted at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). Dr. KP Singh, Joint Director of IVRI, shared that the post-mortem report suggests the tiger found dead at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve may have been involved in a fight with a large animal, such as an elephant or rhinoceros, approximately three weeks ago. The tiger sustained severe injuries, rendering it unable to hunt for prey. Over time, these wounds worsened, ultimately leading to decomposition.
The report indicates that the tiger's death can be attributed to a combination of factors, including hunger, dehydration, and weakened conditions caused by the injuries. As the tiger was unable to hunt, it experienced hunger pangs exacerbated by the scorching heat and lack of available water, leading to dehydration.
"The post-mortem report suggests that the tiger's death was a result of a combination of factors, including wounds, decomposition, hunger, and thirst," stated Dr. Singh. "The report has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further analysis and action."
The death of the fourth tiger has flummoxed all and sundry.
Forest officials were left astonished and deeply concerned by their failure to detect the carcass of a tiger in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Such a critical lapse in monitoring raises serious doubts about the Forest Department's ability to fulfill its duty of safeguarding these magnificent creatures. The incident has sparked public outrage as citizens express their disappointment with the ongoing spate of tiger deaths within the reserve.
"The failure to locate the tiger's carcass for eight days raises serious questions about the effectiveness of our monitoring system," lamented an anonymous forest official. "We pride ourselves on round-the-clock surveillance, but this incident highlights a significant lapse in our monitoring efforts."
News of the tiger deaths at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has ignited public outrage and disappointment. Concerned citizens and wildlife activists are expressing their frustration and disappointment with the repeated occurrences of tiger deaths in the reserve. They argue that the recent incidents underscore a lack of proper monitoring and conservation measures.
"The continuous loss of tigers in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a distressing trend that cannot be ignored," stated Rakesh Kumar, a local wildlife activist. "It reflects a failure on the part of the Forest Department to ensure the safety and well-being of these endangered animals."
The recent tiger deaths are not isolated incidents within Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Since 2020, a total of ten tigers have perished in the area, raising concerns about the reserve's conservation efforts. While post-mortem examinations have been conducted, the exact causes of death remain elusive.
In a previous incident, a post-mortem examination of a tigress from Rampur Dhakaiya village revealed an empty stomach, suggesting severe hunger and thirst as contributing factors to her demise. This revelation further emphasizes the urgent need for robust monitoring and conservation measures.
Forest Minister Arun Saxena has assured the public that they are dedicated to the conservation and promotion of tigers within the reserve. He claims that sufficient food and water resources are available for the tigers, but recent events have cast doubts on these assertions.
Saxena said, "We understand the public's disappointment and frustration, and we are actively investigating these incidents. The investigation teams will provide crucial insights into the causes of death and guide our future conservation strategies."
The Forest Department has launched an investigation into the recent tiger deaths and hopes to uncover the truth behind these tragic incidents. A comprehensive report will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death and shedding light on any underlying factors contributing to the alarming mortality rate.
As the plight of the tigers in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve worsens, urgent action is needed to address the deficiencies in monitoring and ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. The Forest Department must take immediate steps to rectify the failures in their surveillance systems and enhance their conservation efforts to protect the remaining tiger population in the reserve. Time is of the essence, and the fate of these magnificent animals hangs in the balance.
9 Tigers Killed in Three Years
February 2020: A tigress's body was found in Kataiya Beat of Kishanpur Sanctuary.
August 2020: A tigress's body was found in the Jatpura beat of the Mailani range of the Buffer zone.
January 2021: The dead body of a female tiger cub was found in the Sikandarpur beat of Gola range. Death confirmed from septicemia.
February 2021: Tiger hunting in the Belrayan range of Dudhwa National Park.
April 2021: A tigress's body was found in Kishanpur Sanctuary. Diarrhea was reported.
September 2021: The body of a female tiger cub was found in the Mailani range of the Buffer zone.
April 2023: A tiger carcass was found in the Salempur beat of the Mailani range of the Buffer zone. Postmortem confirmed death due to internal organ failure and a bone getting stuck in the intestine.
June 2023: A tigress entered Rampur Dhakaiya village of Grunt number three beat of Mailani range of Bufferzone at 12 o'clock on Friday night. Died on Saturday morning. Confirmation of death of tigress due to hunger and thirst in the postmortem.
June 9, 2023: The body of a male tiger was found lying in a pond in the Mailani range of Kishanpur Sanctuary. It is speculated that the death occurred during a mutual conflict.
(Writer is Political Editor, The Pioneer, Lucknow).
