Bushmeat poachers kill another tiger, death toll 40 so far this yr

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has lost yet another tiger to bushmeat poachers, with a big cat allegedly electrocuted after walking into a live electric wire trap laid for wild boars in the territorial forests of Satna district.The latest incident has pushed the state’s tiger death toll to 40 this year.The incident occurred in the Majhgawan forest range, a key wildlife corridor connecting Panna and Bhandavgarh tiger reserves, through which dispersing tigers regularly move between the two protected areas.Two persons, including a forest watcher, have been detained for questioning. Preliminary investigations suggest the tiger was killed nearly two months ago, in May, after it accidentally stepped into a live electric wire trap.According to forest dept, the poachers panicked after finding the dead tiger and secretly buried the carcass deep inside the forest to destroy evidence.It was only six days ago that the forest officials received information about a possible tiger poaching incident. On July 2, teams comprising the dog squad, flying squad and officials of the Majhgawan forest range conducted an intensive search of the area. However, heavy rain and dense lantana growth prevented them from locating the carcass.

Later that night, fresh information pointed to the involvement of a forest watcher deployed in the area. On Friday, two persons, including the watcher, were brought in for questioning.During interrogation, the forest watcher allegedly told investigators that one of his relatives had laid the illegal electric wire trap to hunt wild boar around two months ago. The tiger accidentally came in contact with the live wire and died.

He also disclosed the location where the carcass had been buried.Forest officials excavated the site and recovered the skeletal remains of the tiger.Divisional forest officer (DFO) Mayank Chandewal said the detained were being questioned for more details.The tiger death toll in MP this year includes fatalities reported due to poaching, electrocution, territorial fights, accidents and natural causes.The tiger death toll in Madhya Pradesh this year include fatalities reported due to poaching, electrocution, territorial fights, accidents and natural causes