Patna: A male tiger was found dead on Thursday in the Thori forest range of Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), marking the second such incident in less than ten days.
The carcass was discovered in compartment number 56 of the Thori forest. Earlier, on May 21, a young tigress had been found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Don area of the reserve. The back-to-back fatalities have prompted urgent questions about the adequacy of tiger monitoring and protection protocols at VTR.
Division 2 DFO Piyush Baranwal confirmed the latest death, saying, “As soon as the information was received, the forest department team reached the spot. An investigation has been initiated.” Preliminary findings suggest the male tiger may have died following a territorial clash with another tiger, he added.
While tiger numbers at Valmiki have steadily increased in recent years, the frequency of deaths is becoming a matter of concern. Wildlife experts have voiced apprehensions, arguing that two tiger deaths within such a short period cannot be dismissed as routine natural occurrences. They point to potential factors such as shrinking territories, increased tiger density, human interference, or gaps in patrolling and surveillance.
One expert noted, “These incidents highlight an urgent need for better management of habitat, enhanced camera monitoring, and swift investigation protocols to rule out poaching or other threats.”
VTR, located in West Champaran district, has emerged as a vital part of India’s Project Tiger initiative, and safeguarding its tiger population remains critical to the overall success of the country’s conservation efforts.
