Team Goemkarponn
DHARBANDORA: The Forest Department has ruled out any immediate signs of poaching in the tiger death case reported from Aglote village in Dharbandora, even as the exact cause of death remains inconclusive due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass.
According to the official report submitted by the North Goa Forest Division, the carcass of a Royal Bengal Tiger was recovered on May 2 from Survey No. 52 of Aglote village under the Collem forest range. A detailed post mortem examination was conducted by a committee appointed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Goa, along with an authorised representative of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The report stated that the carcass was estimated to be more than a month old and had been heavily scavenged. Body parts were found scattered across three different locations in the forested area. Forest officials later recovered nails, teeth, bones, skin fragments and fur during search operations.
Veterinary experts noted that the carcass was in an advanced stage of decomposition with several portions dried up and infested with maggots, making it difficult to scientifically establish the exact cause of death during the preliminary examination.
Importantly, the Forest Department said no traps, snare wires, bullets or suspicious objects were found at the site. Officials also stated that there were no visible signs of poaching or human interference in the area where the carcass was discovered.
Samples collected during the post mortem, including skin, bones and other remains, have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, for toxicology, forensic and DNA analysis. Authorities said the final cause of death will only be confirmed after laboratory reports are received.
The department added that the site of recovery was an abandoned private property covered with natural vegetation and located away from human habitation. Forest officials continue to monitor the area and carry out further searches for any additional evidence linked to the case.
