Guwahati, Jan 5: A female tiger was found dead on Sunday in the Paschim Bimoli area of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve’s Western Range (Bagori). Forest officials suspect the tigress died due to injuries sustained during a territorial fight with another tiger, a common occurrence in high-density tiger habitats.

Kaziranga Director and Divisional Forest Officer Arun Vignesh said a post-mortem examination was conducted by an NTCA-approved committee following standard procedures. Preliminary findings confirmed that the cause of death was injuries from infighting.

In a separate incident, on November 23, 2025, personnel of the Biswanath Wildlife Division seized Royal Bengal tiger bones and arrested five people for allegedly attempting to sell them illegally. The accused have been identified as Eilaram Doley, Ripun Pegu, Kerani Kaman, Pulish Kutum, and Depen Pegu, all residents of Simaluguri Baligaon under Gohpur.

Field Director Sonali Ghosh said the operation was carried out by teams from the Eastern Range, Gamaria, and Panibharal under the Crime Investigation unit. The seized bones were reportedly linked to Depen Pegu. Officials stated that the accused are suspected to have links with earlier rhino poaching cases.

Forest authorities said the two incidents highlight both natural challenges and human-led threats faced by Kaziranga, which remains a key conservation area for the Royal Bengal tiger.