Poaching Fears Rise After Third Tiger Skin Seized

Three forest personnel in Chhattisgarh's Indravati Tiger Reserve have been suspended for alleged negligence. The suspensions occurred after investigators recovered a third tiger skin on July 5th, following the seizure of two skins from suspected poachers on June 29th. Officials are currently investigating whether these tigers were from the Indravati Tiger Reserve, which was home to six tigers in the 2022 census.

Surveillance and protection measures have been intensified following the seizures. The arrests have reignited concerns about poaching within the reserve. The investigation began when two Maharashtra Police personnel were arrested with two tiger skins. Their questioning led to five more arrests and the recovery of the third skin. The operation involved multiple agencies and was based on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission.

Officials also recovered a significant quantity of pangolin scales from one of the accused's residences, suggesting involvement in organized wildlife trafficking. This operation is part of intensified efforts to safeguard a nearly 400-km wildlife corridor vital for species like tigers, elephants, and gaur, connecting forests across Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.