PANAJI
An expert committee led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recovered most of the teeth and claws of the tiger whose carcass was found in the forests of Sacorda in Dharbandora on Saturday.
Sources said a joint operation by NTCA officials and the State Forest Department led to the recovery of the remains, which were likely scattered after the carcass was consumed by scavengers. “On Sunday, the area where the carcass was found was thoroughly combed and all remaining parts were collected. The extent of scavenging and the presence of maggots have ruled out the possibility of poisoning,” sources said, adding that the post-mortem report is awaited.
Officials further stated that samples collected from the carcass, along with the post-mortem findings, have been sent for forensic examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. Possible causes under investigation include poisoning, territorial fights, poaching, or death due to snares.
“From the autopsy it looks like the tiger died almost three weeks back. A portion of the head, leg is also missing,” sources said.
A panchnama conducted on Saturday in the presence of veterinary experts indicated that the carcass had been partially consumed by scavengers. The highly decomposed remains were discovered in a private forest area at Aalot, near the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Prima facie, the Forest Department has ruled out foul play.
A team of NTCA from Bengaluru is expected to visit Goa.
With this incident, the total number of tiger deaths reported in Goa since 2009 has risen to seven. The first case was reported in 2009 in the forests of Sattari. This was followed by a major incident in 2020, when an adult tigress and her four sub-adult cubs were found dead.
