GREEN MINUTE NEWS:
In a shocking incident, five tigers have been killed in Karnataka. The carcasses of one mother tigress and her four tiger cubs were found in Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) and preliminary reports indicate poisoning of the tigers.
Karnataka has the second largest tiger population in the country after Madhya Pradesh. In the last tiger census, the estimated population of tigers was 563 tigers in both wildlife and territorial divisions. This year, the state witnessed the death of one tiger in Shivamogga district.
The carcasses of five tigers, one mother and four cubs were found spread across in Hoogyam range of MM Hills Wildlife Division.
The tragic discovery was made during routine early morning patrols on June 26 by vigilant frontline staff. The bodies were found in Hoogyam Range, Meenyam Section, Gajanur Beat, Mahadeshwara Bayalu area of the MM Hills Wildlife Division. The site where the bodies were found lies within a classified forest land.
In the background of investigations and inquiry, the area has been immediately cordoned off and declared a protected zone. Further, the Standard Scene of Crime (SoC) protocols have been invoked, with a 500-meter sweep radius activated to preserve and collect all physical evidence.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered probe into unnatural death of four tigers. Expressing grief over the unnatural death of a tiger and three cubs in the forest area of, the Forest Minister has ordered a probe by a team led by PCCF (Wildlife).
The Forest Minister, who has issued a written instruction to the Additional Chief Secretary (FEE) and Chief Wildlife Warden in this regard, said that the state government has taken the death of 4 tigers in the forest very seriously and has directed strict action against the guilty.
After the late PM Indira Gandhi launched the Project Tiger to conserve the endangered tigers, the Minister added that steps have been taken to conserve tigers in the state as well, and Karnataka is at the second position in the country with 563 tigers. He said that in a state known for tiger conservation, the unnatural death of 5 tigers in a single day is very painful.
FIVE-MEMBER EXPERT TEAM PROBE
A five-member expert team has been formed for a comprehensive necropsy following NTCA protocols. This will comprise: Jurisdictional DCF, MM Hills (Forest Department Representative), Dr. Mirza Waseem, Forest Veterinarian, Malleshappa, NTCA Nominee, Swami Vivekananda Seva Trust, BR Hills, T John Peter – CWLW Nominee, People for Forest and Wildlife Conservation, Dr Siddaraju, Veterinary Officer, Govt. Hospital, Hanur.
As per Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), there will be Multidisciplinary Post-Mortem and Forensic Examination. All tests are being carried out – comprehensive tissue, blood, and stomach samples are being processed for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling.
HIGH LEVEL INQUIRY COMMITTEE FORMED
In accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and NTCA guidelines, a High-Level Inquiry Committee has been established under the orders of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Karnataka.
The Committee Members include: B P Ravi, PCCF (EWPRT & cc), Srinivasulu, APCCF (Wildlife), T Heeralal, CCF, Chamarajanagar, NTCA representative, Veterinary Officer, Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, Mysuru and Dr Sanjay Gubbi, Independent Wildlife Expert. The High-Level Committee shall submit a comprehensive report within 14 days.
STRENGTHENED MONITORING AND ANTI-POACHING VIGILANCE
- Real-time drone surveillance, infrared cameras, and GPS-based M-STrIPES
- Patrols have been escalated across Hoogyam Range.
- All Anti-Poaching Camps (APCs) are on high alert.
- Intensive sweeps for snares, poison baits and traps are being conducted.
- A confidential informer network with reward mechanisms is operational for actionable intelligence.
The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy against wildlife crime. Any evidence of foul play, negligence, or human interference will invite stringent legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The KFD said, “We appeal to local communities, wildlife enthusiasts, and the general public to stand united in this moment of loss. Tiger conservation is a collective responsibility. A 24×7 confidential helpline has been activated at the Division Office to receive credible tips on wildlife crimes.”
(PHOTO CREDIT: ALL IMAGES COURTESY KARNATAKA FOREST DEPARTMENT)