Kanha Tiger Reserve Reports Death Of Tigress T141 And Four Cubs

A grave wildlife crisis has unsettled Kanha Tiger Reserve after the death of tigress T141 and her four cubs within nine days.

Authorities suspect the Canine Distemper Virus as the probable cause, prompting urgent scientific investigation.

The sequence began on April 21, when officials discovered the first cub dead in the Amahi Nala region. A second decomposed cub surfaced on April 24. By April 26, a third cub succumbed, intensifying concerns.

Forest officials then initiated emergency intervention to save the tigress and her last surviving cub.

On April 27, teams shifted both animals to the Mukki Quarantine Centre for critical care. Their condition briefly stabilised on April 28, offering cautious optimism. The situation deteriorated swiftly.

The tigress died on Wednesday morning, followed by the final cub, extinguishing the entire lineage.

Experts regard Canine Distemper Virus as a severe biological threat due to its high transmissibility and fatality among big cats.

Veterinary specialists and wildlife forensic teams have launched a comprehensive probe to identify the outbreak’s origin.

Authorities have sent the third cub’s remains to the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health for detailed examination.

Laboratories are analysing blood and tissue samples from the tigress and the last cub to confirm infection pathways.

This incident in the Sarhi Range underscores latent vulnerabilities even in the most protected reserves. It highlights the urgent need for surveillance and disease management within India’s conservation ecosystems.

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