JAIPUR: A 14-year-old tiger named Rocky, who ventured out of
Ranthambore National Park
(RNP) and reached Hindwad
village
, was found dead near a water body on Sunday evening, raising suspicion of a
retaliation killing
.
Fear gripped the villagers after the big cat's movement was recorded as he ventured out of Phalodi Range, adjacent to the forest, around 10:30am.
"The tiger had killed a buffalo and was not leaving the place. In the evening, it was found dead. There is a possibility of poisoning," said said a
forest department
official.
Autopsy report awaited
Senior officials, however, denied the likelihood of retaliation killing and claimed it was a natural death.
"Hindwad village is within the Ranthambore Tiger Project area and had been previously relocated, though some families still live there. As a precaution, a team of the department was continuously monitoring the tiger's movement. Around 3pm, it sat near the water body and did not move. The staff informed senior officials, who then reached the spot. The cause of death could be ascertained after the autopsy. But tiger did not kill any buffalo; it is all rumours," said a senior official.
Residents of the area were reportedly agitated because a man was attacked by a bear on Saturday. Govardhan Mali, 52, a resident of a village near Neem Chowki, was left badly injured by a bear when he was in Chidi Kho forest area of the reserve to collect firewood. He is undergoing treatment in Jaipur.
Villagers have repeatedly submitted petitions to the forest department and public representatives, demanding an increase in the height of the forest walls. But no action has been taken so far.
There are currently 54 adult tigers in RNP-25 males and 29 females. There are also ten sub-adult big cats (less than two years old and separated from their mothers) and 12 cubs, making the tiger population approximately 76.
"Research conducted by
Wildlife
Institute of India (WII) indicates that the carrying capacity of RNP and Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary is not more than 43 adult tigers.
The forest department should develop a corridor to provide better access for the tigers to move out and establish their territory in other areas," said
Vikram Singh
, a resident who lives near the park boundary.
English (US) ·