Kaziranga loses another tiger to infighting, marking third death in 5 months

Tiger Deaths Continue in Kaziranga as Third Fatal Infighting Case Raises Fresh Questions About Rising Territorial Clashes (Representative Image: Canva)

A female Royal Bengal tiger was found dead in Kaziranga National Park, with officials suspecting death due to infighting. It marks the third such case in five months, highlighting natural territorial conflicts among tigers. Forest authorities have followed National Tiger Conservation Authority protocols while noting that increased tiger density, despite conservation success, can lead to more frequent clashes within the reserve.

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A female Royal Bengal tiger was found dead Sunday inside Kaziranga National Park, officials said, marking another suspected case of fatal infighting among tigers within the protected reserve.

Forest authorities recovered the carcass from Kathpora area under Bagori western range Sunday afternoon. Initial observations suggested injuries consistent with violent territorial conflict between tigers inhabiting overlapping forest ranges.

Officials confirmed this was the third tiger death linked to infighting within five months. The repeated incidents have drawn renewed attention to territorial pressure inside the densely populated tiger reserve.

Tiger Death Raises Fresh Concerns Inside Kaziranga

A senior forest official said a formal committee was constituted immediately. The panel was tasked with conducting post-mortem procedures and carcass disposal. All actions followed standard operating procedures of National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Authorities stated the incident mirrored another recent female tiger death. That case, recorded weeks earlier, was also attributed to infighting. Officials emphasised no evidence suggested poaching or human interference.

Forest officers explained such conflicts remain natural among territorial predators. Tigers frequently clash while defending or expanding established territories. Such encounters increase in reserves supporting higher predator densities.

Infighting Linked to Growing Tiger Population

Kaziranga has recorded multiple tiger deaths over recent months. In August last year, two tiger carcasses were discovered separately. One was found in Bagori range, another in Burapahar area.

Officials clarified the Bagori tiger died due to old age. The Burapahar tiger succumbed to injuries from infighting. Authorities reiterated that internal conflicts rise with population growth.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve holds global recognition. It is famed as the iconic home of one-horned rhinoceros. The reserve has also gained attention for thriving tiger numbers.

What Rising Numbers Mean for Wildlife Management

According to official estimates, Kaziranga recorded 148 tigers in 2024. The reserve reported a density of 18.65 tigers per 100 square kilometres. Conservationists describe the figure as notably high.

Forest managers say higher density demands careful monitoring strategies. Officials continue habitat management to minimise conflict opportunities. Authorities stress natural deaths still reflect ecological success.

The forest department maintains strict surveillance across all ranges. Post-mortem findings will be reviewed for confirmation. Final reports are expected following completion of official procedures.

Officials reaffirmed commitment to long-term conservation goals. They stressed tiger mortality from infighting remains biologically natural. Kaziranga continues balancing protection with growing wildlife populations.