A fully-grown tiger was found dead near Katwar village in the Koriya Forest Division, sparking concern and calls for action from conservationists and local authorities alike. Forest officials from the Koriya Forest Division and Guru Ghasidas National Park are currently investigating the cause of death, with a post-mortem examination slated to clarify the circumstances. Local villagers believe the tiger, a seven-year-old male, may have died two to three days ago. However, forest officials only became aware of the carcass when a strong odour was reported, emanating from an area close to a drain near the village. The location, informally known as the ‘Orange Area,’ lies approximately 80 km from Baikunthpur and 1 km from the boundary of Guru Ghasidas National Park. This proximity has raised questions about the territorial range and movement patterns of tigers in the region, as no prior records confirm the presence of this tiger in the Koriya Forest Division or nearby national park.

 

 

Upon information, a team of officials, including the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) from the Sarguja Forest Division, arrived at the site to conduct a preliminary inspection, while authorities from both the Koriya Forest Division and Guru Ghasidas National Park cordoned off the area to secure the site for further investigation. Initial observations reveal that the tiger’s body, although bearing a wound on its back, still had its claws and whiskers intact, suggesting a lower likelihood of poaching. However, some conflicting reports have emerged, alleging that the carcass was missing its eyes, teeth, and nails, a detail that often hints at illegal poaching practices or the removal of body parts for commercial purposes. This incident is not isolated. Earlier in the year, on July 22, another tiger was reported dead in similar circumstances in the region. Although forest department officials have denied any indications of poaching, local speculation points to possible poisoning as the cause. Wildlife experts highlight that the death of these tigers raises urgent questions about predator protection measures in the area and the need for heightened vigilance, especially in forest corridors and buffer zones between human settlements and wildlife habitats. Wildlife activists have urged the department to release the findings transparently. Conservationists also emphasize the importance of mapping tiger movements in non-protected areas like the Koriya Forest Division to prevent future incidents and to reinforce protection for these endangered animals.