India: Madhya Pradesh lost two of its big cats on Saturday. A tigress was found dead in Kanha National Park (KNP) at Mandla and a leopard allegedly lynched by villagers in Gwalior district. 

The tigress, according to KNP officials, was 13-month-old and had multiple wounds on its body. Its carcass was found during a routine patrolling near Deshi Nala area.

According to an official release, the tigress was killed by another adult tiger in a war over territorial supremacy. Multiple injuries were found on its body.

Officials also claim that they have detected pug marks of an adult tiger around the spot. State has lost 28 tigers in last 12 months, 17 died in 2016 itself. In a separate case, a leopard that had attacked and injured nine people in Ghatigaon area on Friday was stoned to death by villagers. Forest officials said they are yet to ascertain cause of its death. Its carcass was found near a river on Saturday morning. "This was an unusual incident. We have sent samples for forensic analysis to identify cause of its death. Wild animals are straying out of forest in search of water," said Ravi Srivastava, state's chief wildlife warden.

(Source: The Times of India)