Within a matter of 2-3 days, two tigers were found dead in Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR). While a carcass of a tigress was identified in Nandikotkur Reserved Forest of Nandyal division on Wednesday, another carcass of an adult tiger was traced in Racherla Forest Beat under Giddalur division on Friday.
Nisha Kumari, Deputy Director, Project Tiger Division, Giddalur, said: “Gundlakamma Forest Range Officer (FRO) reported the tiger death in Racherla section. The limbs along with claws of the tiger are missing. The exact cause of death is under investigation. An offence case was registered under Wildlife Protection Act 1972.”
“Post-mortem has been conducted as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) SOPs and guidelines. The samples have been collected for forensic analysis. A detailed investigation is underway from all possible angles,” she informed, without revealing whether the forest officials have cremated the carcass.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment, Forest, Science and Technology K. Pawan Kalyan tweeted on social media platform X, “The incident of the tiger’s death in the NSTR has come to my attention. For nature’s balance to remain undisturbed, the conservation of tigers is of utmost importance. The loss of even a single tiger’s life is a matter of grave concern.”
“This incident serves as yet another reminder of our responsibility to protect our forests and wildlife. I have directed the NSTR Field Director to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation to uncover the reasons behind this death. Was it a natural death? Or was there any human intervention, such as poaching, poisoning, or other mischief,” he inquired.
“To prevent such situations in future, I have instructed Forest department officials to immediately increase patrolling in forest areas and strengthen field-level vigilance. Protecting AP’s forest wealth and the biodiversity is the duty of all of us. The government is committed to forest conservation and wildlife protection. Strict action will be taken in case of any negligence,” the Deputy CM warned.
Published – August 01, 2026 04:19 pm IST
