Tiger found dead near Gundal reservoir

A male tiger estimated to be around 5-6 years old was found dead near Gundal reservoir in Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger reserve in Chamarajanagar here on Sunday.

After the forest officials and staff of Gundal Range under Kollegala Wildlife Division of the BRT Tiger reserve noticed a dead tiger near Gundal reservoir, senior officials and staff visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

“The deceased tiger was identified as male, approximately 5-6 years old. Preliminary observations suggest that the tiger might have been caught in a snare trap and later reached the vicinity of Gundal dam, where it died near the water’s edge”, said a press release by Deputy Conservator of Forests and Director of BRT Tiger Reserve, Chamarajanagar.

As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the representatives nominated by NTCA, a nominee of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Bengaluru, veterinary officer and local representatives were called to the site. Local police were also informed and present at the spot, the press release said.

A wildlife offence case has been registered in connection with the incident and investigation is in progress.

In the presence of the Standard Technical Guidance and Monitoring Committee, a post-mortem examination of the tiger will be conducted, after which the carcass will be disposed off as per the NTCA SOP guidelines, the press note added.