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Tigress Dies After Tranquilizer, Cubs Missing
27 Jun
Summary
- Lactating tigress died hours after tranquilization in reserve buffer zone.
- Cubs remain untraced, raising survival concerns for dependent young.
- Inquiry ordered into capture operation amid concerns of procedural lapses.
A lactating tigress recently died in the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve shortly after a tranquilization operation, sparking an official inquiry. The animal was darted in Ramnagar village on Tuesday and died later that evening, with initial findings pointing to severe dehydration and gastroenteritis. However, wildlife experts suggest complications from the tranquilization procedure may have been a factor.
Post-mortem results confirmed the tigress was nursing cubs, which have not yet been located. Concerns are high for the cubs' survival due to potential starvation, heat, and predators. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the handling of lactating big cats during capture operations, with allegations of procedural errors.
A high-level inquiry has been ordered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and senior forest officials. Experts question the timing of darting the tigress during feeding and the identification process. Further concerns involve the post-tranquilization handling, such as the lack of cage covering, which could increase stress.
