Hero Image

Bad week for Pench landscape: 3 tigers found dead

NAGPUR: Three tigers have died in the last seven days in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) landscape of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Two died near MP Pench and one died in Deolapar in Maharashtra Pench.


One tiger died in Khamarpani (MP Pench) on February 28, and two on Wednesday including one in Deolapar and another between Khawasa-Turia.



Death of a tigress in Deolapar wildlife range in Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, on Wednesday morning was shrouded in mystery. The putrefied carcass was found on the banks of Bandra water body. This is the fifth tiger death this year in the state and second in last three days. On March 3, a tigress was found dead in Akot wildlife division in Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR).

It is surprising how the tiger, known to be best swimmers, died in slush in compartment number 498 as claimed by the forest officials. According to Pench chief conservator of forest (CCF) & field director Ravikiran Govekar, it is the same tigress that was captured on camera trap on February 23 while crossing one of the underpasses on NH7.

Initially, it was strongly contended that the dead tiger was one badly injured on February 2 in road hit near Deolapar and went missing. Govekar said, “The tiger that was injured in road hit was a male. The one found dead on Wednesday is female. The fact has been confirmed by WII researcher.”

The carcass looked charred and was suspected to be case of electrocution. However, Govekar said, “The black portion indicates it was eaten by maggots.”

Govekar claimed the local staff on routine patrolling noticed the carcass. The fact that it was highly putrefied shows field staff was not moving regularly in the forest.

When senior officers were informed of the incident, an area of around 500-metre radius was cordoned off and scanned for evidence. The post-mortem team included honorary wildlife warden Kundan Hate as representative of chief wildlife warden and wildlife biologist Anil Dashahre as NTCA representative. The veterinarians included Dr Syed Bilal, Dr Chetan Patond, Dr Subodh Nandagawali and Dr Vinod Samarth.

Govekar denied there was anything suspicious. “There were clear signs of tigress entering a slushy area till she got stuck. Carcass was found in semi-putrefied state. All four legs as well as snout were buried in the mud. All body parts like canines, claws, and other organs were intact,” he said.

Samples were collected for forensic analysis. Probable cause of death was ascertained as asphyxiation due to drowning in water after being stuck in the water. Govekar said, “This tigress has no previous record at Pench. We are ascertaining facts. After post-mortem, carcass was disposed of as per norms.”

READ ON APP