PANAJI
The discovery of a decomposed tiger carcass deep inside the Sakorda forests of Dharbandora on Saturday has once again raised concerns over wildlife protection, with authorities examining the exact cause of death.
Forest officials said the animal was found in an advanced state of decomposition, making it difficult to immediately determine how it died.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar raised an alarm over the incident, stating that this is the sixth tiger death reported in the State over the past 17 years. “Between 2009 and 2019, five tiger deaths were recorded in Goa. This is the sixth case, nearly seven years after the last such incident,” Kerkar said, as he personally visited the site after receiving information.
He claimed that the tiger’s teeth and claws were missing, raising strong suspicion of poaching. “It is difficult to say at this stage whether the animal was killed by another predator or by humans,” he said.
Kerkar also dismissed repeated claims that Goa has no tiger presence while pointing to such incidents, and also urged authorities to conduct a detailed investigation and take steps to prevent further wildlife losses.
A senior forest official, speaking to The Goan, said the carcass was found on private land and appeared to be around 15-20 days old. “Prima facie, the claws and canines are missing. There is also a possibility that the carcass may have been shifted from another location. Our staff is on site and necessary procedures are being followed,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao termed the incident a serious warning for the State, stating that the presence of a tiger points to Dharbandora’s ecological importance as part of a wildlife corridor linked to the Western Ghats.
“The government should initiate steps to declare the area a tiger reserve to ensure scientific conservation. Our claims of promoting eco-tourism will remain hollow unless concrete measures are taken to protect critical wildlife habitats,” he said.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, on the other hand, slammed the government for delaying the earmarking of the tiger reserve in Goa. “Tiger found dead or was it killed in Dharbandora forest? This government is against the tiger reserve, so who will investigate?” he questioned.
Officials rule out foul play
Forest officials stated that, prima facie, no foul play is suspected and the death appears to be natural. However, veterinary report is awaited as the examination was conducted earlier in the day. Sources said that further formalities are also to be carried out as per the directions of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
