The discovery of a badly decomposed tiger carcass in Pench Tiger Reserve on Saturday has triggered an investigation, raising questions about patrolling and forest management in the protected area.
The carcass was found in the dense Rukhad buffer zone by a patrolling team. Officials said the body was several days old, with most parts having already decomposed when discovered.
Forest officials, field staff, and a dog squad quickly arrived at the site to begin an investigation. A post-mortem examination is underway, conducted by a wildlife veterinarian summoned from Pench.
The carcass was located deep within the dense forests of the Rukhad East Beat, beyond Masoolnala. Its advanced stage of decomposition has made determining the exact cause of death challenging.
Officials said that detailed information would only be shared once the examination is complete. They are also checking whether any body parts are missing from the carcass.
The discovery has cast doubt on claims made by Pench management regarding regular jungle patrolling. Officials, however, have refrained from commenting publicly on the effectiveness of monitoring efforts.
This is not the first such incident. On 20 February 2025, a tiger cub’s carcass was found in a dry rivulet under the Khawasa range of Pench Tiger Reserve.
Shockingly, a live tiger cub was seen feeding on the dead cub’s body at the site. Forest staff rushed to the spot after receiving information from local eco-development officials.
Earlier, in January, a tigress aged around 4–5 years was found dead in Seoni during her movement. Electrocution was suspected, but investigations are still ongoing.
Similarly, a male tiger aged three to four years was discovered dead in the Kurai range of Pench. The forest department performed last rites after finding the carcass.
During a routine patrol, staff detected a strong smell of rotting meat. Following the odour, they discovered a tiger carcass about 20–25 metres off the trail.
Bloodstains were visible in the soil around the carcass, suggesting a violent end. The patrolling team immediately alerted senior officials, and the investigation got underway.