BHUBANESWAR: The discovery of a deceased five-year-old female pseudo-melanistic tiger in the core area of the Similipal Tiger Reserve on Thursday evening has raised concerns among wildlife officials.

The carcass was located by patrolling staff near the Jatiani camp within the UBK range of the Similipal South Division on the evening of August 6, leading authorities of the STR to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death.

Prem Kumar Jha, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), reported that the carcass was found deep within the reserve, and there were no apparent signs of infection. The definitive cause of death will be determined once laboratory results are available, he noted.

A post-mortem examination was performed on August 7, adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

A team of specialists, including veterinary surgeons and a representative from the NTCA, conducted an examination of the carcass and collected biological samples for various laboratory analyses, including toxicological and pathological tests.

The examination revealed that the carcass was in a fresh state, with no visible injuries or clear indicators of what might have caused the death.

The samples have been sent to the Centre for Wildlife Health (CWH) at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for comprehensive analysis.

“The exact cause of death will be ascertained after the laboratory report is received,” stated Jha.

Prakash Chand Gogineni, the Field Director of STR, mentioned that following the post-mortem, the carcass was incinerated in the presence of forest officials and staff.

The entire procedure, from the examination to the disposal of the remains, was documented with video and photographs to comply with established protocols.

Recently, a camera-trap survey conducted by Forest Department officials estimated the tiger population in Similipal to be 35, comprising 17 males and 18 females. This estimate includes 19 pseudo-melanistic tigers, along with 16 tiger cubs residing in the area.