Two zones of Ranthambore tiger reserve closed after tigress kills forest ranger

Located along the Jogi Mahal and Trinetra Ganesh Mandir, the two forest zones have been closed for tourists and devotees.

Devendra Singh Choudhury died on Sunday at the iconic tiger reserve after he was fatally attacked by the tigress.

The forest ranger was mauled to death by the tigress just metres from the Jogi Mahal Gate, which serves as an access point to Zone 2 of Ranthambore National Park, specifically leading to the historic Jogi Mahal area.

This gate is situated approximately 500 meters from the Ranthambore Fort and about 5 kilometers from the main park entry gate.

As per reports, the grown up female cub Arrowhead killed a seven-year-old child on April 16.

The child was killed when he was coming down from the hill along with his family after offering prayers at the Trinetra Ganesh Mandir.

Field Director and Chief Conservator of Forest Anoop KR said as quoted by The Statesman, "Those (wildlife sleuths) present there have recognised the tigress (cub) involved in the incident. However, we have taken certain samples (like pug marks, etc.) and sent those for verification of the identity of the animal."

"The behaviour of the tiger cub in reference is certainly unusual (or abnormal). However, despite being involved in two killings, it can not be treated as man-eater because the tigress did not prey on the dead in both incidents."

"We have sent the report about the killings to the state government and the high officials in the state capital and would take a decision on any further action in this connection," he added.