Tigress found dead in Kagaznagar was killed in ‘territorial fight’: Telangana forest department

The tigress’s body was found in a semi-decomposed state close to a cattle carcass raising suspicion of poisoning or electrocution.

However, based on observations and primary investigation the forest department on Sunday concluded the cause of death could be a case of a territorial fight between tigers. They estimate that the tigress could have been killed three to four days ago.

According to an official statement from Mohan Chandra Pargaien, Chief Wildlife Warden, the carcass bore marks indicating injuries on the neck and abdomen. The team of officials and veterinary doctors also found hair samples in the mouth of the deceased tigress and it is considered most probably of another tiger. The hair samples have been sent to a lab for further investigation.

“Right hind leg was also found to be fractured with signs of dried blood having oozed from the injuries. On further investigation, the team did not find any evidence of hunting using snares, traps and electrocution,” the statement said, adding that the body of the animal was disposed of as per the protocol under proper documentation.

“The Veterinarians also ruled out any possibility of poisoning. Skin and other parts including nails of the animals were also found to be intact,” it said.

Forest officials said they are in the process of identifying the tigress through camera traps and further investigation is on. Animal trackers and forest patrol staff are also on the field to look for any related information. As the dead tigress is a sub-adult, questions have also been raised about the whereabouts of its mother.