The carcass of a male tiger estimated to be about 12 years in age was found in the Chidiyapur range of Haridwar forest division on Tuesday. Investigating the cause of the death of the feline, the forest department officials stated that the full-grown stripped cat appeared to have died of natural cause. The body of the tiger which bore no mark of injury was sent for post mortem. The department officials further said the tiger might have died at least two days ago.
A team of the forest department personnel on the regular patrolling duty in the forest spotted the body lying in Kotawali beat of Chidiyapur range on Tuesday morning. On receiving the information, the higher forest officials led by the divisional forest officer reached the spot. Chidiyapur range being close to Rajaji Tiger Reserve borders with Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. In the previous year, a six- year- old tiger had died in a road accident in Rasiabadh range of Haridwar forest division.
Speaking of the matter, Chidiyapur forest ranger RP Hingalwan said that the death appeared to be a natural one. However, the department is awaiting the post- mortem report which would help ascertain the exact cause of death. It is also pertinent to mention here that though the exact cause of this tiger’s death is yet to be known, some activists aver that it is possible that the big cat was killed by poisoning in retribution by traditional cattle herders’ community living in the area.