A male tiger named Mahavir died early Tuesday morning at Kanha Tiger Reserve after forest staff monitored his condition continuously for the last two to three days. Officials suspect the fatal Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) may have caused the death, though final confirmation will depend on forensic test reports. If the tests confirm CDV infection, this would become the sixth death of a tiger or cub linked to the deadly virus at the reserve within less than a month.
Initial investigations indicate the possibility of Canine Distemper infection, and authorities have sent blood, brain tissue, nasal swab, and other samples for detailed forensic analysis. Scientists at the School of Wildlife Forensics and Health in Jabalpur are examining the samples, and officials expect the final report within the next few days.
The necropsy report revealed severe infection in the lungs along with wounds on the tiger’s body. However, officials ruled out poaching or foul play because all body parts, including claws, whiskers, canine teeth, and vital organs, were found intact. According to officials, the acute lung infection appears to have played a major role in the tiger’s death.
Sources at the reserve said Mahavir’s condition started worsening from Monday night. Forest staff closely tracked his movement and activities, including his recent successful hunting behavior, in the Mohgaon beat of the Mukki Range. Veterinary teams planned to tranquilize and treat the tiger at the Mukki Quarantine Centre, but the nighttime conditions delayed the operation. By the time the veterinary experts reached the location early Tuesday morning, the tiger had already died.
Officials also suspect that the lung infection may be connected to Canine Distemper Virus, the same infection that killed a tigress and four cubs at the reserve last month. Earlier forensic analysis conducted in Jabalpur confirmed CDV infection in the tigress and cubs after tests on blood, tissue samples, and the carcass of one cub.
Following those deaths, the forest department and animal husbandry department jointly launched a large vaccination campaign in nearly 90 villages around the reserve. During the drive, teams vaccinated hundreds of stray and pet dogs along with thousands of cattle to prevent the spread of the virus around the tiger habitat.
Mahavir was a well-known tiger among tourists visiting the Mukki tourism zone of Kanha National Park. Forest authorities continue monitoring the situation closely while following disease-control measures to prevent further wildlife deaths linked to Canine Distemper Virus.
