Tigress Injured in Territory Fight Dies During Treatment in Pilibhit Reserve
A five-year-old tigress found critically injured in the Mala Range of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) died during treatment, a forest official confirmed on Sunday.
PTR Deputy Director and Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh said the tigress succumbed to her injuries on Saturday night. The carcass has been sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly for a post-mortem examination.
While the exact cause of death awaits the autopsy report, preliminary assessments suggest the injuries may have resulted from a territorial conflict with another tiger, Singh said.
The tigress was discovered unconscious under a tree around 5 pm on Saturday during a routine patrol. Forest officials noted a deep wound near the inner part of one ear, which had become infested with maggots.
A five-member veterinary team led by Daksh Gangwar was formed to treat the animal. Despite sustained efforts, her condition did not improve, and she died late Saturday night.
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, located in Uttar Pradesh, is part of the Terai Arc Landscape and is known for its significant tiger population. Territorial disputes among tigers are not uncommon, especially in reserves with high densities.
The post-mortem report is expected to provide clarity on the exact nature of the injuries and the cause of death.
