In a devastating incident, the Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Madhya Pradesh has reported the discovery of a tiger carcass and two female cubs, all found on the same day. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the majestic animals were tragically killed by other big cats in separate incidents, officials announced on Friday (October 3, 2025).
The adult tiger, estimated to be between eight and ten years old, was a well-known figure among visitors, affectionately dubbed the ‘Balaghat Male Tiger.’ His lifeless body was discovered in the Mukhi range on Thursday, a heartbreaking loss for the reserve.
Weighing a formidable 170 to 180 kilograms, the Balaghat Male Tiger bore severe wounds to its trachea, indicating a fierce territorial battle with another large feline, which ultimately proved fatal.
Officials speculate that the tiger, which had been frequenting the buffer zone near the Balaghat district – a region bordering Mandla – might have strayed into the core area, encroaching on another tiger’s territory. This unfortunate incursion likely led to the fatal confrontation.
Following the standard protocols set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the carcass was respectfully cremated.
Adding to the tragedy, two young female cubs were also found dead in the Kanha range on the same day, confirmed to have been killed by an adult tiger.
Despite these losses, Kanha Tiger Reserve remains a vital sanctuary. The most recent tiger census revealed a robust population of 137 big cats within KTR, making it home to the highest number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh. The state itself boasts an impressive 785 tigers, leading the nation in its conservation efforts, according to the 2022 census.