Two tigers found dead in Andhra's NSTR within 3 days; probe ordered
In a span of three days, two tigers have been found dead in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in Andhra Pradesh, prompting state authorities to order a detailed investigation into the incidents.
The carcass of a tigress was discovered in the Nandikotkur Reserved Forest under the Nandyal division on Wednesday. Two days later, on Friday, forest officials located the body of an adult tiger in the Racherla Forest Beat under the Giddalur division.
Nisha Kumari, Deputy Director of the Project Tiger Division, Giddalur, confirmed the death of the tiger in the Racherla section. "The limbs along with claws of the tiger are missing. The exact cause of death is under investigation. An offence case was registered under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972," she told reporters.
Kumari said a post-mortem was conducted following the Standard Operating Procedures of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). "Samples have been collected for forensic analysis. A detailed investigation is underway from all possible angles," she added, without divulging whether the carcass had been cremated.
The deaths have drawn the attention of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, who also holds the portfolios of Environment, Forest, Science and Technology. In a post on social media platform X, Kalyan expressed grave concern over the loss of tiger life, stating that the conservation of tigers is vital for maintaining ecological balance.
"The incident of the tiger's death in the NSTR has come to my attention. For nature's balance to remain undisturbed, the conservation of tigers is of utmost importance. The loss of even a single tiger's life is a matter of grave concern," he wrote.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he has directed the NSTR Field Director to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ascertain whether the death was natural or due to human intervention such as poaching, poisoning, or other mischief. He also instructed forest officials to immediately increase patrolling and strengthen field-level vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.
"Protecting AP's forest wealth and biodiversity is the duty of all of us. The government is committed to forest conservation and wildlife protection. Strict action will be taken in case of any negligence," Kalyan warned.
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, spread across the Nallamala forest region in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is one of the largest tiger reserves in India. It serves as an important habitat for the Bengal tiger and several other species of flora and fauna. Wildlife experts have repeatedly highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and anti-poaching measures in the reserve.
Officials have not yet confirmed any specific cause of death for either of the tigers, nor have they ruled out foul play. The forensic analysis of the collected samples is expected to provide clarity in the coming days. The state forest department has assured that all necessary protocols are being followed during the investigation.
The two deaths within such a short interval have raised concerns among conservationists and local residents, who are awaiting the outcome of the official inquiry. Meanwhile, field staff have been put on alert, and efforts are underway to ensure the safety of the remaining wildlife in the reserve.
