Bones Recovered From Poachers Identified As Those Of Tigers

DNA Testing Is Under Way To Determine If The Hunted Big Cats Belonged To Ranthambore

- TDG NETWORK

The investigation into bones recovered from recently detained poachers confirmed that the bones were of tigers. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has shared this information with the Rajasthan Forest Department and DNA testing is underway to determine if the hunted big cats belonged to Ranthambore.

This development is particularly concerning considering that 25 tigers have gone missing from Ranthambore in recent years. While 10 have been traced, 15 remain unaccounted for.

Rajasthan Forest Department records show five Ranthambore tigers -- T79, T131, T138, T139, and T2401 -- went missing under suspicious circumstances between June 2022 and May 2024. The missing tigers include two females and three males aged 3-12 years.

Forest officials said if the DNA tests confirm that the seized remains are of Ranthambore's missing tigers, it will not only highlight the vulnerability of big cats straying beyond protected zones but also the urgent need for tighter interstate anti-poaching coordination.