A video of a tiger chewing on a discarded plastic bottle inside the Kanha Tiger Reserve has gone viral, drawing attention to the alarming reach of plastic pollution into one of India’s most protected wildlife habitats.
The footage, shared by Dr P.M. Dhakate on X and filmed by wildlife photographer Anil Vohra, shows the big cat curiously biting a plastic bottle lying on the forest floor. The clip has reignited concerns over the impact of human waste on wildlife and the health of fragile ecosystems.
Sharing the video, Dr Dhakate said the incident was a stark reminder that plastic pollution has penetrated even core wildlife habitats.
“In this video, a tiger chewing a plastic bottle shows how plastic pollution has breached core wildlife habitats. This is not simple litter; it is a threat to biodiversity,” he wrote.
He further explained that plastic waste poses dangers beyond what is immediately visible. While larger plastic items can cause physical injuries or internal blockages if ingested, microscopic plastic particles can contaminate the food chain over time.
Citing scientific findings, he noted that macroplastics can lead to intestinal blockages, whereas microplastics enter the ecosystem through soil and water, gradually moving up the food chain. Through biomagnification, these pollutants can accumulate in apex predators such as tigers, potentially causing serious health consequences.
Dr Dhakate also stressed the ecological significance of tigers, describing them as key species that help maintain the balance of forest ecosystems.
“As apex predators, tigers anchor the food chain and sustain the entire ecological balance. To protect their habitats, we must remain mindful of plastic pollution and stop throwing waste into the wild,” he said.
The video resonated widely with wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, many of whom called the visuals both distressing and eye-opening.
Several social media users said the presence of a plastic bottle inside a protected reserve highlighted the growing problem of littering in natural habitats. Others urged authorities to strengthen measures against plastic waste in and around national parks.
Many also pointed out that protecting wildlife goes beyond preventing poaching or preserving forests, it also requires ensuring that human-generated waste does not find its way into the habitats of vulnerable species. For many viewers, the clip underscored how even India’s most iconic predators are increasingly exposed to the consequences of plastic pollution.