A rhino was found dead in Assam's Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve on Saturday.

According to the park authorities, an adult male rhino carcass was detected in the early hours of Saturday by the forest patrolling staff at the western side of Tunikati Anti-poaching Camp under Burapahar Range, Ghorakati, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve.

According to Sonali Ghosh, Director, KNPTR, the rhino had severe facial injury marks and deep wounds which were later confirmed in the post-mortem conducted as incisor wounds inflicted by another male rhino due to infighting.

"The nasal bone and part of the horn was found to be intact. No bullet injury was detected during the examination. The rhino is estimated to be past its prime at more than 25 years and had likely lost its battle to a younger, stronger male," Sonali Ghosh said.

It may be noted that in cases of poaching, bullet injuries along with cutting of the nasal bone are commonly found.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)