Amidst rising tensions between villagers and wildlife in Assam, a mob took the drastic action of killing a Royal Bengal tiger after it reportedly attacked livestock. The local forest department confirmed the tragic event, emphasizing the safety concerns faced by residents.
Local reports indicate that the tiger had been a threat to livestock in the area, prompting villagers to rally together in a search for the animal. Forest official Gunadeep Das detailed the chaotic scene, stating "around a thousand people had gathered to kill the tiger," with many wielding machetes during the attack. The animal was ultimately left dismembered and has been sent for autopsy following its death from sharp injuries rather than gunfire, according to authorities.
In response to the incident, Mrinal Saikia, an Assam lawmaker, took to social media platform X to denounce the violence against the tiger, emphasizing that it is crucial to preserve the ecosystem for all its inhabitants. He promised a thorough investigation and strict penalties for those involved.
Sonali Ghosh, another forest official, mentioned uncertainty surrounding the tiger's origins, as it was found approximately 12 miles from the famed Kaziranga National Park.
Despite considerable success in wildlife conservation leading to a rise in the state’s tiger population from 70 in 2006 to 190 in 2019, reports of conflict between tigers and villagers have surged, a consequence of diminishing habitats and inadequate protection of wildlife corridors. Under India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, tigers are listed as protected species, with severe penalties for poaching and the trade of their parts.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles between human development and wildlife conservation in India.
Local reports indicate that the tiger had been a threat to livestock in the area, prompting villagers to rally together in a search for the animal. Forest official Gunadeep Das detailed the chaotic scene, stating "around a thousand people had gathered to kill the tiger," with many wielding machetes during the attack. The animal was ultimately left dismembered and has been sent for autopsy following its death from sharp injuries rather than gunfire, according to authorities.
In response to the incident, Mrinal Saikia, an Assam lawmaker, took to social media platform X to denounce the violence against the tiger, emphasizing that it is crucial to preserve the ecosystem for all its inhabitants. He promised a thorough investigation and strict penalties for those involved.
Sonali Ghosh, another forest official, mentioned uncertainty surrounding the tiger's origins, as it was found approximately 12 miles from the famed Kaziranga National Park.
Despite considerable success in wildlife conservation leading to a rise in the state’s tiger population from 70 in 2006 to 190 in 2019, reports of conflict between tigers and villagers have surged, a consequence of diminishing habitats and inadequate protection of wildlife corridors. Under India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, tigers are listed as protected species, with severe penalties for poaching and the trade of their parts.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles between human development and wildlife conservation in India.
