Second Tigress Death in Jim Corbett in 2025: Elephant Attack Suspected

A tigress was found dead in the Dhela range of Jim Corbett National Park on Sunday morning (30th March 2025), marking the second big cat death in the reserve this year. The discovery was made by forest staff and local villagers around 7:30 am, following which authorities launched an investigation into the cause of death. Saket Badola, the director of Jim Corbett National Park, confirmed that the carcass was sent for a postmortem examination, which revealed a skull depression. Additionally, elephant footprints were found near the site, leading officials to suspect that the tigress may have been trampled by an elephant. The postmortem report also confirmed that all internal organs were intact, ruling out any possibility of poaching. Veterinarians examining the carcass supported the theory that the five-year-old tigress succumbed to injuries from an elephant attack.

Corbett National Park, spanning 1,288.31 sq km across the Pauri, Nainital, and Almora districts of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most significant wildlife reserves. As per the Status of Tigers Report 2022, the park is home to 260 tigers, making it the national park with the highest tiger density in the country. The region also houses a large population of elephants and other wildlife species, leading to occasional territorial conflicts among animals. Additionally, 46 villages with a total population of 2,939 people are located within or near the park, making human-wildlife interactions another critical aspect of conservation efforts in the area.

The authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further incidents and ensure the protection of tigers and other wildlife species. Investigations are still underway to confirm the exact circumstances of the tigress’s death. With rising concerns over wildlife mortality, conservationists and officials are working towards strengthening protection measures within the reserve.

As India continues its efforts in tiger conservation, ensuring the safety of these endangered species remains a priority. The authorities urge tourists, locals, and wildlife enthusiasts to remain vigilant and support conservation initiatives to protect Jim Corbett’s precious wildlife.

A Recap on Previous Tiger Deaths in Corbett

The current incident follows another tiger death earlier this year in the Kalagarh division of Jim Corbett National Park. The increasing number of tiger deaths in the region raises concerns about wildlife conflicts and natural threats faced by these big cats.

According to official records, between January and December 2024, a total of 15 tigers died in Uttarakhand. Of these:

• 5 tigers died in territorial fights.
• 5 succumbed to natural causes.
• 3 were killed in road accidents.
• 2 were categorized as accidental deaths.
• 2 tiger deaths were reported in Kalagarh and two in the Ramnagar division.Apart from tigers, 15 elephants and 123 leopards also died in the state last year due to various causes, highlighting the growing challenges in wildlife conservation.