Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection occurred in captive leopards (Panthera pardus), tigers (Panthera tigris), lions (Panthera leo), and a jaguar (Panthera onca) in 1991 and 1992. An epizootic affected all 4 types of cats at the Wildlife Waystation, San Fernando, California, with 17 mortalities. CDV-infected raccoons were thought to be the source of infection in these cats. Two black leopards died at the Naibi Zoo, Coal Valley, Illinois, and 2 tigers died at the Shambala Preserve, Acton, California.

The killing of tigers and of forest guards in Ranthambore is the result of a conservation strategy that took away the rights of the local people and made them willing allies of poachers.

Kishorilal not his real name , is 39 and has been a forest guard at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve for 17 years. He spoke to Down To Earth on his experiences:

The third tiger census in three years in Ranthambore may pronounce a verdict on the country's conservation strategy that could send a few heads rolling.

Tiger skins and tiger bones are extremely profitable for everyone involved in poaching, whether through killing or selling.