Four Tiger Cubs Die of Starvation in Maharashtra, Tigress Missing

Villagers discovered three carcasses of tiger cubs in Saoli forest, the fourth cub died on way to the hospital.

One of the tiger cubs found dead in the Saoli forest. (Photo courtesy: Vinita Mahendra Twitter Page)

Four tiger cubs were found dead by villagers at the Saoli forest in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. The Maharashtra government has ordered an investigation into their death.

<p> The tiger cubs died reportedly due to starvation. The forest officials are trying to trace their mother.</p>

<p> S S Dole, General Manager, Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited, Chandrapur</p>

The villagers of Pathri discovered three carcasses of tiger cubs under the Saoli forest range, the fourth one was found alive but succumbed to starvation while being taken to the hospital for treatment.

<p> I have given orders to conduct a probe. I have also given instructions to trace the mother tigress.</p>

<p> Sudhir Mungantiwar, Maharashtra Forest Minister</p>

“The forest men have installed three camera traps to trace the tigress. The preliminary report suggests the cubs might have died due to starvation as they were still feeding,” he added.

Dole said prima facie it did not look like poachers had killed the cubs as their body parts were intact.