Why in news?
A young male tiger was found dead on 25 January 2026 in Chhattisgarh’s Achanakmar Tiger Reserve after a territorial fight with another male. The incident has sparked debate about habitat pressure and the management of growing tiger populations in India’s network of reserves.
Background
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve lies in the Maikal Hills of Chhattisgarh and forms part of the larger Achanakmar–Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Notified as a tiger reserve in 1975, it covers dense sal and mixed forests. The reserve forms a vital wildlife corridor connecting Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to Bandhavgarh National Park through the Kanha–Achanakmar corridor. This connectivity allows tigers and other wildlife to move between habitats, maintaining genetic diversity and aiding population recovery.
Details of the incident
- Discovery: Forest staff on patrol discovered the carcass of a two‑year‑old male in the Kuderpani area of the Achanakmar range. Camera‑trap footage prompted a search after an unusual alarm call.
- Post‑mortem findings: Veterinarians found a fractured neck bone and bite marks on the lower neck. Broken vegetation, hair and scratch marks indicated a fierce fight. Officials concluded that the tiger was killed in a territorial duel with an older male. No signs of poaching were detected.
- Response: The carcass was cremated after examination, and authorities reviewed patrolling protocols. The incident occurred amid reports of rising tiger numbers in the reserve due to successful conservation and dispersal from neighbouring reserves.
Ecological significance
- Corridor function: Achanakmar’s strategic position links protected areas across central India, allowing tigers to disperse from Kanha and Bandhavgarh. WWF‑India reports show that tiger numbers in the reserve doubled from five in 2017 to ten in 2024, suggesting the corridor is working.
- Habitat management: Efforts by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department and conservation partners include improving prey density, restoring degraded areas and engaging local communities to reduce conflict.
- Challenges: Increased tiger density can lead to more territorial conflicts. Ensuring sufficient space and prey, as well as maintaining connectivity, is essential for long‑term recovery.
Source: Times of India
