Kumaon forest conservator, Sameer Sinha, said the carcass was spotted during a routine visit by officials to Ramnagar forest division to roughly tally the number of tigers and other endangered species and their overall condition in the region.

Sinha said as the team discovered a tiger's body with its amputated leg. A forest official part of team said that the tiger's carcass also bore injuries caused by sharp-edged weapons. He said the tiger had apparently crossed into Ramnagar forest division in search of prey.

The official said the exact cause of death will be known after post-mortem examination report but the condition of carcass suggested it might have the work of poachers.

A senior IFS officer said the condition of carcass indicated that the animal was killed mostly probably late Wednesday. The body was taken to Corbett Veterinary centre for post-mortem.

This is the second suspected case of tiger poaching in Ramnagar forest division within one month. A tiger was found dead there in the second week of March. About seven tigers were found dead under mysterious circumstances under CTR and Ramnagar forest division during the last five months.

Decks were cleared for Special Tiger Protection Force in Corbett

Decks have been cleared for forming a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in Corbett National Park after senior officials in National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Uttarakhand Forest department and Corbett National Park (CNP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Ramnagar in Nainital district.

CNP director Ranjan Mishra said that STPF' will considerably help ensure the security of tigers and other endangered species in Corbett. The decision to form this force was taken to prevent spurt in tiger poaching in Corbett.

"Now there is no technical hitch in recruitment for force and we will begin recruitment", said Mishra. Principal chief conservator of forests R B S Rawat said the proposal had been pending with the Union ministry for forests and environment for sanction for a long time.