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DNA Matching Underway for Tiger and Leopard Bones from Interstate Poaching Sting

The National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru is testing samples to pinpoint the animals’ reserve of origin.

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Overview

  • A joint operation by Madhya Pradesh’s State Tiger Strike Force, the Rajasthan Forest Department and NGO TigerWatch led to the June 5 arrest of six suspected poachers and the seizure of 225 bone fragments near Sheopur.
  • Analyses at a Jabalpur laboratory confirmed the remains include three tigers and one leopard, prompting transfer of samples to NCBS in Bengaluru for advanced DNA profiling.
  • Madhya Pradesh forest authorities have formally requested DNA profiles of Ranthambore’s tiger population to determine whether the bones originated from that reserve.
  • Investigators believe the killings occurred on Rajasthan’s side of the Chambal landscape, with one tiger killed about six months ago and a leopard around Holi.
  • Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey and conservation officials are calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the organised inter-state trafficking network.