Assam: Adult male tiger found dead in Kaziranga’s Burhapahar range, forest officials begin probe

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has reported the death of an adult male tiger, triggering concern among wildlife authorities and conservationists. The big cat, estimated to be between 10 and 15 years old, was found dead on Saturday, February 7, in a channel of the Brahmaputra River near the Baneshwar Forest Camp in the Burhapahar forest range.

Forest personnel recovered the carcass during routine patrolling in the area, which falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. Following the recovery, senior officials of the forest department, along with a veterinary doctor, rushed to the site to assess the situation.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on-site to ascertain the cause of death. According to preliminary observations by officials, the tiger is suspected to have died following a territorial fight with another tiger—an occurrence not uncommon among ageing male tigers competing for dominance.

Forest authorities have stated that further investigation and detailed post-mortem findings will help confirm the exact cause of death. The incident has once again highlighted the intense territorial pressures within Kaziranga, which hosts one of the highest densities of tigers in the country.