Ranthambore's missing tigers: A tale of turf wars and human threat

JAIPUR: Tigers may be disappearing from Ranthambore national park due to a complex mix of territorial disputes, human-related threats, and natural aging, as per according to wildlife experts.

Recently, chief wildlife warden Pavan Kumar Upadhyay issued an order regarding 25 tigers missing from the park. A search committee could trace 10 of them within three days. Dharmendra Khandal, a conservation biologist with Tiger Watch, noted that among remaining 15 missing tigers, territorial conflicts and human threats appear to be significant factors.

Forest department’s report reads, “These younger males were frequently observed roaming in search of unclaimed territories. Territorial disputes with dominant males could be the cause of their disappearance. However, human-related factors must also be considered.

These young males may have been exposed to threats from locals, such as poisoning or other manmade risks.”

Five older tigers are believed to have died of natural causes due to their advanced age, ranging from 18 to 19 years.

The report adds, “Tigers typically live up to around 15 years, making survival beyond that age increasingly difficult. While it is remarkable that these tigers survived in Ranthambore for so long, once they passed the age of 15, they faced immense challenges.

Their breeding ceased, and they struggled to maintain their health and territories in the face of mounting competition from younger, dominant tigers.”