Radio-Collared Tiger Dies in Madhya Pradesh Reserve Days After Relocation
Young tiger fitted with GPS collar dies in Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve, sparking calls for probe.
The body of a 3-4-year-old male tiger was discovered on February 15 in the Manegaon Beat of Mohli Range, part of Madhya Pradesh's Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve. Relocated from Kanha Tiger Reserve last month as part of a high-profile rewilding project, the tiger had been fitted with a satellite collar for 24/7 monitoring. Its sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Forest Department and triggered allegations of negligence and potential cover-up.
According to officials, preliminary findings indicate a territorial clash as the likely cause of death. Rajneesh Kumar Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, confirmed pugmarks of another tiger were found near the carcass, suggesting a fight between adult males over territory—a common occurrence in tiger ecology. No immediate signs of poaching or hazards like power lines were detected.
Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey has filed a formal complaint alleging gross negligence. He claims the satellite collar data showed the tiger remained stationary for two days without timely verification, violating National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols. Dubey has demanded an independent inquiry, disciplinary action, and public release of the post-mortem report.
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The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Kanha-to-Nauradehi translocation program. Dubey criticized the release environment, calling it “irresponsible” and “a death sentence” for apex predators. He warned that if a radio-collared tiger cannot be adequately protected, upcoming plans to introduce cheetahs in the reserve may face serious risks.
Forest officials defended the program, stating territorial conflicts are natural in a growing tiger population. They insist continuous monitoring was conducted and that no evidence of foul play has emerged so far. The post-mortem report, expected soon, will provide a definitive cause of death.
The case highlights the challenges of reintroducing apex predators into the wild, balancing conservation goals with animal safety, and ensuring accountability in monitoring and protection protocols. The debate over oversight and preparedness in Madhya Pradesh’s reserves is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
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