A high-level committee formed by the Andhra Pradesh government has concluded that one of the two tigers found dead in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in late July was a victim of poaching, while the other died of natural causes. This finding has led to the suspension of an official and intensified scrutiny of wildlife protection measures within the reserve.
Poaching Confirmed in Tiger’s Demise
The committee, headed by retired IFS officer P. Mallikharjuna Rao, determined that an adult male tiger, aged between four and six years, was illegally hunted using a country-made firearm. The poachers subsequently removed the animal’s four legs to extract its claws and concealed the carcass approximately two kilometers away from the actual crime scene. Officials have recovered seven of the tiger’s eighteen claws, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining ones. The post-mortem examination confirmed a bullet injury between the abdomen and chest as the cause of death, which is estimated to have occurred about three weeks before the carcass was discovered on July 31.
The accused, identified as seven individuals, were reportedly attempting to hunt wild boars when they encountered and shot the tiger. Aside from the removal of the legs, no other body parts were taken. The arrested individuals have been remanded, and investigations continue to ensure strict action against all involved in harming tigers or violating forest protection laws.
Second Tiger Death Under Investigation
In addition to the poached tiger, the committee confirmed that a second tiger found on July 29 had died of natural causes. However, the circumstances surrounding this death are also under review as part of a broader investigation into tiger mortality within the NSTR. The reserve has experienced multiple tiger deaths in recent months, raising significant concerns among wildlife conservationists and authorities.
Past Incidents and Ongoing Concerns
This incident echoes previous concerns about tiger safety in the region. In August 2026, a heavily decomposed tiger carcass was found with its paws removed, prompting fears of poaching. While an initial investigation suggested it might not have been the work of professional poachers, as other valuable parts were left behind, the finding of missing paws raised immediate suspicion. Samples were sent for forensic analysis to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute to ascertain the cause of death and human involvement.
Furthermore, in August 2026, another tiger was found dead in the Racharla Forest Beat of Gundlakamma Range, also within the NSTR. The carcass was found with severed limbs and missing claws, leading to an investigation into whether the death was due to natural causes, poaching, or poisoning. This marked the second reported tiger death in the reserve within a three-day period, prompting the Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister, K. Pawan Kalyan, to direct a comprehensive inquiry and intensify patrolling.
Adding to the series of incidents, a tigress that died in September 2025 was only recently discovered to have been caught in a snare. Field staff reportedly failed to inform higher officials and disposed of the carcass without following proper procedures. An Undetected Offence Report (UDOR) has been registered, and disciplinary action has been initiated against the concerned forest staff. The Forest Section Officer at the time was suspended, and outsourced protection watchers were disengaged.
Official Response and Protective Measures
The recent findings have prompted swift action from authorities. The suspension of an official is a direct response to the confirmed poaching incident. Deputy Director of Project Tiger, Atmakur, Vignesh Appavu, has emphasized the need for stringent adherence to procedures following animal deaths. Senior officials have stated that disciplinary action has been initiated against forest staff for failing to report the September 2025 tigress death and for improper disposal of the carcass. The collection of suspected bone fragments and soil from that site for examination indicates ongoing investigative efforts.
The Andhra Pradesh government, through its forest department, has reiterated its commitment to wildlife conservation. The investigation into the poaching incident is ongoing, with authorities vowing to prosecute those found guilty under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The intensification of patrolling and enhanced field surveillance across the NSTR are being implemented to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of the tiger population within the reserve.
The Chenab Times News Desk