19 November,2023 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The skeleton of a tiger was found in the Tadoba beat of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
What is feared as bad news for wildlife lovers, the skeleton of a tiger was found in the Tadoba beat of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve on Saturday. While authorities will conduct DNA analysis on the samples collected, it is said that the skeletons might belong of the legendary tigress Maya, officially known as T-15.
It should be noted that the tigress has been missing since August 25, and TATR authorities have been making all possible efforts to track her.
On Saturday, mid-day published a story titled 'Maharashtra: Tadoba Tiger Reserve Officials Begin 3-Day Foot Patrolling for Maya,' which highlighted how TATR authorities launched a three-day foot patrol and combing operation to track down the missing tigress Maya. The big cat, one of the most famous and photographed wild tigresses in the world, has been missing for weeks.
T-15, popularly known as Maya, was a dominant tigress in the Pandharpawani area of the core region of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. She was born in December 2010 to a tigress popularly known as Leela and a male tiger known as Hiltop tiger.
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Since June 2014, T-15 gave birth five times (2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022) and contributed 13 cubs in total, most of which, except for 4 cubs from the second and third litters, did not survive to breeding age for various natural reasons. She has been continuously captured in systematic camera trap exercises since 2014 and was last captured on camera traps during the phase IV exercise from March to May 2023.
Her last direct sighting was in August 2023 by TATR patrolling staff in the Panchdhara area near Tadoba Lake. However, she has not been seen since then, raising concerns about her well-being and whereabouts among TATR authorities and regular tourists.
In order to ascertain her presence, large-scale intensive monitoring operations were launched in her known territory from October 7, 2023, with the help of camera traps and regular patrolling. The entire area of Tadoba and Kolara ranges, known to be her territory and movement area, was covered during this exercise. In the process, 10 different tigers (6 females and 7 males), namely T-07, T-114, T-115, T-158, T-16, T-150, T-138, T-164, T-168, T-181, and T-100, were captured in her territory since October 7, 2023. However, T-15 was not captured in the area, giving rise to the possibility of her absence in the area.
As a last resort, an intensive foot patrolling cum combing operation was carried out from November 16 to 18, 2023, with the help of all the frontline staff of TATR core area, Special Tiger Protection Force units, and protection camp patrolling staff. This operation was led by Deputy Director (Core) N. K. Kale, Veterinary Officer Dr. Ravikant Khobragade, Biologist Ms. Prajakta Hushangabadkar, DFO Shri Sachin Shinde, ACF Shri Ganesh Misal, RFOs Kolara, Tadoba, Karwa, Moharli, and Kolsa, namely Shri S. S. Dube, Bhawik Chiwande, Vinod Jambhule, A.R. Gaund, and Rundan Katkar, respectively, under the guidance of Field Director, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Dr. Jitendra Ramgaokar.
A total of 150 staff members took part in the combing operations from November 16 to 18, 2023.
TATR Field Director Dr Jitendra Ramgaokar said, 'On November 18, 2023, the combing teams located the remains of a tiger in compartment number 82 of Tadoba beat in the Tadoba range. The remains consisted of the skeleton of the tiger and were scattered in an area about 100 meters in radius. All the remains were carefully gathered together, and samples were collected for DNA analysis by the wildlife veterinarian and biologist for further analysis. According to the wildlife veterinarian, the remains were in a very advanced stage of decomposition and not fit for further postmortem examination. Also, the tiger has apparently died due to natural causes, considering the location of the remains and the absence of any human activity in the area.'
Ramgaokar also said that the samples will be immediately sent for DNA analysis to National Centre for Biological Sciences, and Centre for cellular and Molecular Biology , Bangalore and shall be matched with known DNA samples of the T 12 collected during an ongoing scientific study. "The reports of the same are expected to arrive by November 30, 2023. A final statement regarding the status of T 12 shall be made on receipt of DNA analysis report." Added Ramgaokar.
