Second Tiger Found Dead in Uttar Pradesh Forest Within Days
Forest officials in Uttar Pradesh are investigating the death of an adult male tiger discovered in Imaliya village, approximately one kilometer from the Gola forest range in the South Kheri forest division of Kheri district. The recovery occurred on Monday, just one day after another adult tiger carcass was found in the Mala forest range of neighboring Pilibhit district.
No External Injuries Found on Carcass
Divisional Forest Officer Tahapas Mihir confirmed the tiger was estimated to be over ten years old. Significantly, no external injuries were visible on the body, and both the canines and claws remained intact, ruling out immediate signs of physical trauma or poaching activity.
Forest personnel conducted an intensive search of the surrounding area but found no evidence of snares, traps, or carcasses of potential prey animals like wild boar or small herbivores. This discovery reduces the likelihood of poisoning or direct human conflict as the cause of death.
Canine Distemper Virus Suspected as Primary Cause
The DFO did not dismiss the possibility of disease. He indicated the tiger might have been affected by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a pathogen that can be transmitted to wild carnivores through contact with feral dogs or jackals. "Essential samples will be preserved during the autopsy for testing for various infections," Mihir stated, highlighting the focus on virological analysis.
The post-mortem examination was conducted at the range headquarters by a panel of three veterinary officers. In accordance with the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) standard operating procedure, representatives from both the NTCA and the state's chief wildlife warden were present to oversee the procedure.
Rising Tiger Mortality in Pilibhit District
Official records reveal a concerning trend in Pilibhit district. Between May 24, 2012, and June 1, 2024, a total of 26 tiger deaths were reported. While no tiger fatalities were recorded in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 periods, this latest case brings the total to 27 tiger deaths since 2012.
Additionally, the district has witnessed 16 leopard deaths between March 3, 2018, and December 31, 2024, indicating broader challenges for large carnivore conservation in the region.
Comparative Context with Other Tiger Reserves
The cumulative number of tiger deaths in Pilibhit since 2012 now exceeds the current tiger populations in several designated reserves across India. This includes:
- Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram (0 tigers)
- Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal (1 tiger)
- Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand (1 tiger)
- Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh (1 tiger)
- Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha (16 tigers)
- Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan (19 tigers)
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu (5 tigers)
This stark comparison underscores the significant mortality rate in Pilibhit and raises urgent questions about habitat health, disease management, and conservation strategies in one of Uttar Pradesh's critical tiger landscapes.
