GUWAHATI: A decomposed carcass of a full-grown male Royal Bengal Tiger was recovered in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve on Tuesday morning.
The carcass was found near the Khairasali Anti-Poaching Camp on the banks of the Pachnoi River during routine patrol duty by park staff, reports the local press.
According to the attending veterinarian, the Royal Bengal Tiger had died seven to ten days ago due to old age.
A post-mortem examination was conducted, samples were collected for forensic testing, and the carcass was buried following all necessary formalities.
Meanwhile, the devastating floods in Assam have taken a heavy toll on wildlife at Kaziranga National Park (KNP).
A total of 123 hog deer have perished, with 104 dying from drowning, 17 while receiving care, and two after being hit by vehicles while crossing the national highway, the park authorities conformed to a Guwahato-based daily.
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Eighteen hog deer are still under treatment after being rescued. The floods have also claimed the lives of six rhinos and two sambar deer due to drowning.
The overall wildlife death toll in Assam has risen to 137 as of Tueaday, up from 114, within the Kaziranga National Park.
Of the 233 camps in the Kaziranga area, including those in Biswanath and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions, 66 remain inundated.
This includes camps under the Agratoli, Kaziranga, Bagori, Burhapahar, and Bokakhat ranges, severely affecting operations and rescue efforts.
In response to the crisis, authorities at the park have deployed drones to monitor wildlife movements, particularly animals seeking higher ground towards the Karbi Hills.
The use of drones aims to enhance rescue efforts and ensure the safety of the park’s wildlife amid the ongoing floods.
The situation underscores the pressing need for robust conservation measures and effective disaster management to protect Assam’s rich wildlife heritage from the ravages of natural calamities.
