A tigress and her four cubs were found dead at the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district on Thursday.
Following the development, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) to conduct a probe and submit a report to him within three days. Initial investigation suggested that the big cats may have consumed meat laced with toxic substances.
Minister Khandre stated, “The preliminary probe has revealed that the tigress and cubs have died unnaturally. If negligence by forest staff is proven, disciplinary action will be taken against them. If this incident is confirmed to be the result of poisoning, I have instructed the officials concerned to register criminal cases against those involved.”
The incident is particularly distressing for Karnataka, which ranks second in India in terms of tiger population. The loss of four tigers in a single day deals a blow to the state’s wildlife protection achievements.
A five member expert team has undertaken a comprehensive necropsy and the area has been immediately cordoned off and declared a protected zone.
A high-level inquiry committee headed by BP Ravi, principal chief conservator of forests has been formed. This committee has been given 14 days to submit a comprehensive report.