Bhopal, Jan 19 (IANS) A four-year-old male tiger was killed in a turf war with another tiger in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park, officials said Monday. The tiger’s body, with deep bruises, was found at the Kisla range of the park.

“The tiger was around four years old. The body had several injury marks, which indicated that he might have had a fight with another tiger. These fights are common during the mating season. The body appears to be four-five days old,” said park director R.P. Singh.

Singh, however, ruled out that it was a case of poaching. “The tiger was not poisoned. All the body parts are intact, including the skin. Hence, it was not a case of poaching.”

“It is the result of competition for territory. Every year, 20 to 40 cubs are born in the park, but male tigers start fighting over territory once they reach the age of around two-and-a-half years,” said P.B Gangopadhyaya, Madhya Pradesh principal chief conservator of forests.

These fights have become more common today due to the shrinkage of their habitat, he added.