Crisis for Big Cats in MP: After Cheetah and Leopard, Another Tigress Found Dead in Balaghat

Balaghat: In yet another blow to Madhya Pradesh’s big cat population, a tigress was found dead in the Katangi region of Balaghat district. This comes barely a week after the deaths of a cheetah and a leopard in the state. The carcass, estimated to be two days old, was spotted by villagers after a foul smell spread in the area. This is the second tigress death in the region within four and a half months.

Villagers Found the Carcass Near Temple Area

According to forest officials, villagers heading towards the Ghordev Baba Temple first noticed a strong odour near Compartment No. 562. On searching the nearby forest patch, they saw the tigress lying motionless. Even after calling out and approaching cautiously, there was no movement. Upon closer inspection, they realised the animal was dead and immediately informed the Forest Department.

Forest Department Seals Area, Senior Officers Rush to Spot

The news triggered panic within the department. SDO-level officers and senior staff rushed to the location and cordoned off the area to prevent tampering with evidence and to keep villagers away from the carcass.

Dog Squad Deployed; Post-mortem Underway

To rule out poaching, foul play or disease, dog squads from Balaghat and Kanha National Park were summoned. Forest guards were deployed overnight for vigilance.
The post-mortem examination is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary checks indicate that the tigress’s paws, claws and other vital body parts are intact, decreasing the likelihood of poaching. SDO B.R. Sirsam confirmed these details to local media.

Another Tigress Had Died Four Months Ago

This incident follows a similar case on 27 July, when a tigress was found dead in a monsoon drain in the South Forest Division of the district. In that case, the carcass was illegally hidden for three days by local officials and later burnt without following proper wildlife protocols. Both officials were dismissed and later taken into custody.

The back-to-back deaths have raised serious concerns about the increasing threats faced by big cats in Madhya Pradesh—from accidents to territorial conflicts—highlighting the need for stricter monitoring and swift conservation measures.