An adult male Royal Bengal Tiger was found dead inside Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on Tuesday morning, marking the fifth tiger death reported in the park this year.
According to officials, the carcass was discovered yesterday by staff of the Lahorijan Anti-Poaching Camp under the Central Range of the Biswanath Wildlife Division. The tiger was found during routine patrolling in the 6th Addition area, locally known as Monabari Soil.
Forest personnel stated that the carcass was in an advanced stage of decomposition when located. However, bones, skin, nails, and teeth were found intact at the site, indicating no immediate signs of poaching. A post-mortem examination was conducted by a veterinary officer in the presence of a committee constituted as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s standard operating procedure.
Sonali Ghosh, Director of the park, said preliminary findings suggest that the death appears to be natural, possibly due to old age. “Samples have been collected and preserved for forensic analysis. The carcass was disposed of by burning as per established protocol,” she stated.
The 6th Addition area, where the tiger was found, has a healthy tiger population. As per the last census, 27 Royal Bengal Tigers were recorded in this zone, contributing significantly to the park’s overall growth in tiger numbers in recent years.
However, the series of deaths within less than two months has drawn attention. On February 7, an adult male tiger was found dead in the Mandir Baneshwar area under the Burapahar Range. Earlier, on January 18, a female tiger was reported dead at Kathpora under the Western Range (Bagori). On January 14, a young male tiger was found at Thute Chapori in the Eastern Range (Gamiri/Biswanath). The first death of the year was recorded on January 4, when an adult female tiger was found dead at Paschim Bimoli under the Western Range.
Kaziranga, known globally for its conservation success, remains one of India’s most important tiger habitats. While officials maintain that preliminary assessments point to natural causes in the latest case, wildlife observers and local communities are closely monitoring developments, hoping the park’s iconic big cats continue to thrive in the fragile riverine ecosystem they call home.
