Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, May 9: Goa Forest minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday stated that there is no indication of poaching in the death of a tiger whose heavily decomposed carcass was recently discovered in the Sacorda area of Dharbandora.
He added that the exact cause of death is still not known due to the advanced stage of decomposition of the animal’s remains.
According to officials, a postmortem (necropsy) report has already been submitted to the government by the Forest Department. The report, prepared by veterinary experts and forest officials, noted that the carcass was found in a severely decomposed condition, with only partial skeletal remains intact.
Authorities have since sent biological and forensic samples for detailed toxicology, DNA analysis, and other laboratory tests to determine the animal’s identity and investigate whether poisoning or foul play was involved.
The report describes that the carcass was found lying on its side, with significant portions of the body reduced to skeletal structure. While the skull was intact with dried tissue, much of the left side of the body was largely hollow due to decomposition.
Officials documented several physical findings, including intact forelimbs covered with dried tissue, absence of visible external injuries, heavily decomposed thoracic and abdominal regions, and partial skeletal remains with maggot infestation. Additional remains such as whiskers, teeth, nails, and vertebrae were also recovered from the site.
Laboratory testing of collected samples showed negative results for major infectious diseases, including canine distemper virus, avian influenza (H5), and feline parvovirus.
Veterinarians concluded that, based on dental and body measurements, the animal was likely an adult tiger. However, due to the condition of the carcass, only limited organ examination was possible.
Forest officials have emphasized that no immediate evidence suggests poaching, as no bullets, metal wires, or trap devices were found at the site. They also stated that poisoning is not strongly suspected at this stage due to significant scavenger activity observed on the remains.
Despite these preliminary findings, authorities have made it clear that the final conclusion will depend on forensic and toxicology reports, which are still awaited.
Officials also confirmed that all procedures mandated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were followed, including proper sample collection and documentation.
The forest area has been cordoned off, and search operations are ongoing to recover any remaining body parts. All recovered materials are being preserved under sealed custody, following standard procedures, until final laboratory results are received and approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden of Goa.