2 tigers found dead near Bhadra, poisoning suspected

Two adult tigers were found dead under mysterious circumstances in Bhadravathi forests. 

BHADRAVATHI : Two adult tigers were found dead under mysterious circumstances in Bhadravathi forests. 


The decomposed carcasses were found near a stream, at a distance of about 100 metres at  Umblebyulu forest area in Bhadravathi territorial forest division. The place where the tigers were found is located close to Bhadra Tiger Reserve.


On Thursday afternoon, the decomposed carcasses of the tigers (sex yet to be determined) were found by a patrol party led by Ranger Forest Officer during a routine beat walk. 


“It’s too early to say anything. We are probing all the angles. I have sought a detailed report from the authorised officials and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been informed about the tiger mortality,” Wildlife PCCF B J Hosmat, told Express. 


Forest officials from Bhadra Division said it is suspected that the tigers may have been killed or have died a week ago. “Poisoning could be possible as the tigers were found dead close to each other and most of the body parts are intact. There could be possibility of a disease too. There are no external wounds on both the tigers. However, one of the animals seemed to have a broken paw which could have been a result of a fight or due to recent rains. The Bhadravathi territorial forest division abuts Bhadra Tiger Reserve which has tiger population close to 25,” the officer said.


On Thursday, a team of veterinarians conducted the autopsy. Veterinarians from Shimoga wildlife division and professors from veterinary college in Bhadravati were present. “We have collected the organ samples of both the tigers and they will be sent to the laboratory for further investigation. We are awaiting the postmortem report for further action,” the officer said.


This is the 15th tiger mortality in Karnataka since January 2016 and 90th in India. In 2015, 70 tiger mortalities were reported in India. The tiger deaths in Karnataka during the same period was 15. Wildlife conservationists point out that the Bhadravathi forest area has similar vegetation that of Bhadra Tiger Reserve. But due to poaching there, the prey base is poor. Hence there are no resident tigers found.  
“We have recorded many poaching incidents using snares in Bhadra division. If the poaching is curtailed and prey base improved, the area can house tigers in the future, said a wildlife conservationist.

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