Debate Over Live Prey Feeding Intensifies After Ranthambore Forest Guard’s Death
Priest killed by tiger inside Ranthambore Fort, third attack in two months sparks outrage
Debate Over Live Prey Feeding Intensifies After Ranthambore Forest Guard’s Death
An incident at Rajasthan’s Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has triggered widespread debate within conservation circles after a forest guard was fatally attacked by a tigress being sustained with live prey. The controversial practice of feeding live animals to sick or aging tigers has come under renewed scrutiny, raising concerns about human safety and the long-term impact on wild tiger behavior.
Forest Guard Killed Near Tigress’s Feeding Spot
Forest guard Devendra Singh Choudhary lost his life in a tiger attack near Jogi Mahal — a popular tourist site within the reserve. Eyewitnesses reported hearing distressed animal sounds from a locked room near the area, which was later found to house live buffaloes. These buffaloes were being kept as prey for an ailing tigress named “Arrowhead,” who had been injured and displaced from her former territory.
The guard, posted close to the makeshift enclosure, was attacked by the tigress, raising serious questions about the safety of frontline forest personnel working near areas where live prey is introduced.
A Practice Meant to Help, Now Under Fire
For over a year, forest authorities have been supplying live animals — mostly buffaloes — to ailing and aging tigers in Ranthambore. Though aimed at aiding survival for tigers unable to hunt due to injury or age, the practice appears to have led to unintended behavioral changes. Officials admit that at least nine tigers have become accustomed to being fed, and six were raised on this feeding method from a young age.
Experts warn that this could dull natural hunting instincts and cause the animals to lose their fear of humans — a troubling development in a reserve where tourist activity remains high.
When Compassion Clashes With Conservation
While feeding weakened tigers is sometimes seen as an act of compassion, many conservationists believe it crosses a line. The case of Ranthambore’s famous tigress “Machhli,” who lived nearly two decades after being hand-fed for years, is often cited in this debate. Similar support was given to tigress “Sundari.”
Critics argue that while such tigers may live longer, the dependency formed may compromise their natural instincts and endanger human lives. “It’s a risky trade-off — keeping tigers alive at the cost of their wild nature,” said a senior wildlife expert.
Arrowhead’s Legacy and the Ripple Effect
Arrowhead, once a dominant tigress, suffered a serious hip injury and retreated to the Nalghati region. To help her survive and raise her cubs, officials began feeding her live prey in August 2023. However, this led to increased tiger activity in the area, with other tigers — including Arrowhead’s daughter “Riddhi” and another tigress “Sultana” — drawn by the easy food source.
There is now concern that even young cubs in the area may be learning to associate food with humans — a trend that conservationists fear could permanently alter their natural behavior and increase the likelihood of human-animal conflict.
Striking the Right Balance
The Ranthambore incident underscores a growing conservation dilemma: does feeding wild predators help them survive, or does it strip them of their essential wild traits?
While well-intentioned, such interventions must be approached with caution. Tigers are not domesticated animals — they are apex predators whose instincts shape their survival. Conservation efforts must therefore tread a fine line between support and interference, as even minor shifts in behavior can lead to dangerous consequences.
As the forest department and wildlife authorities reassess their strategies, the tragic death of a forest guard stands as a stark reminder of the risks involved in managing India’s most iconic wildlife species.
