Tiger ‘T-109’ sustains critical injuries after territorial fight

WILDLIFE EXPERTS BELIEVE VEERU SHOULD BE SHIFTED TO A JAIPUR RESCUE CENTRE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT

JAIPUR: A 3-year-old tiger T-109 aka Veeru has sustained critical i nj uri e s a t t he Ranthambore Tiger Reserve following a territorial fight with another tiger T-42 aka ‘Fateh’ nearly three-days ago, forest officials said.

Veeru has reportedly sustained 35 injuries on his head, neck and legs in the fight.

“T-109 is critically injured and due to rains, the wounds are infested with maggots.

The doctors have said that the next 36 hours are critical,”said Manoj Parashar, field director, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Parashar said the injured tiger was spotted by villagers in a farm near Bhairupura village, near route number 10 or RTR; he was tranquilized and brought for treatment.

An official on condition of anonymity said the fight probably happened three days ago.

Even the villagers were alerted by the noise of the fight, the official said.

Route number 10 is reportedly the territory of 8-year-old T-42. A month back Veeru’s movement was seen on route number 6, which is around 12 km away from route number 10.

In camera traps injury marks are also seen on Fateh, but the tiger has not been traced.

Wildlife experts believe Veeru should be shifted to a rescue centre in Jaipur for more effective treatment, as it is difficult to ensure proper monitoring and treatment in a small cage at the reserve, where the tiger is currently sheltered.

Earlier in May, Tiger T-104 was tranquilised to treat injuries after he got in fight with T-64.

In January 2019, the carcass of Tiger T-85 (aged about five- years) aka ‘Pacman’ was found in Khandar range of the reserve with severe injury marks on his body.

The death was suspected due to territorial fight by the forest officials.