The Nilgiris has lost yet another adult tiger, the second within just a few days. A 10-year-old male was discovered dead on Sunday morning in the Segur range of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), following the death of another male at the Pykara forest range last Thursday.

According to forest officials, the recent death appears to be the result of a brutal territorial conflict. Autopsy findings suggest the tiger sustained fatal injuries to its head and neck during a fight, likely with a rival male. The wounds and traces of blood indicate the clash occurred within the last 36 hours.

Anti-Poaching Watchers found the carcass at Gundatti forest beat and alerted Segur range officer M Dhayanathan, who ruled out poaching, confirming that the claws and skin were intact.

“We’re certain this tiger was killed during a fight over territory. It’s a natural cause of death in such competitive environments,” said an MTR staffer. The deceased tiger had been tracked using a unique ID, as per National Tiger Conservation Authority protocols.

Meanwhile, the tiger found dead earlier in Pykara showed no signs of a fight. Officials say it had a stomach ulcer and an empty digestive tract. Samples from its heart and kidneys have been sent to SACON in Anaikatti and labs in Coimbatore for further analysis.

MTR, declared a tiger reserve in 2007, is home to an estimated 145–150 tigers, where inter-male rivalry is a common survival challenge.