Mysuru: Death of Prince, the iconic tiger of Bandipur Reserve Forest has made way for several suspicions.
Prince, the 12-year-old tiger, who used to make bold and majestic appearances before the tourists on safaris in the reserve forest was found dead recently. His frequent appearances had made him very popular among the tourists and it is said that his popularity brought in forest department a romping revenue of about Rs 20 cr over the last five years.
The star attraction of Bandipur was so popular that visitors, both foreign tourists and people from various parts of the country used to specifically ask the forest department staff if it was possible to spot Prince in the forest.
But, a pall of gloom engulfed Bandipur when carcass of Prince was found in Kundakere of Bandipur about 13 days ago. Since the head of the carcass had major injuries, it is now suspected that Prince may have fallen prey to the poachers, who have been following a new method of implanting explosives in mutton pieces to lure animals. As soon as the animal pounces to relish the meat implanted with explosives, it meets its tragic end with an explosion inside the mouth.
Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers say that after some time tested methods of killing animals, which include laying traps, food poisoning etc became obsolete, the poachers had recently started using this new technique of placing meats with explosives. Prince’s carcass strongly hints that he may have fallen prey to one such traps because there are injuries only on his head, typically caused due to an explosion. His body remains safe intact.
The cases of poaching has increased in the forest, say sources specifically because the gangs that used to thrive on smuggling trees have now put their hands into poaching animals after smuggling trees became a herculean task here.
Meanwhile, the forest officials are not ready to accept the theory that Prince may have been killed by poachers. They argue that Prince has died a natural death and that some animals may have mauled his dead body causing injuries of the face and head. But, observers say that it is unlikely that wild animals may have mauled Prince’s carcass, mainly because the meat of tiger has a very strong, pungent smell making it difficult even for wild animals to consume. Further, if wild animals had mauled Prince’s carcass, it is a far possibility that they may have only eaten away the face leaving the body as it is.
All said and done, Bandipur has lost its star and the impact of his death is evident as reserve forest sees a sharp decline in number of visitors.
