BENGALURU: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report and the micro-cellular check report stated that large quantities of Phorate and Carbofuran were found in the digestive system of the tigress and her four cubs who had died after consuming cattle carcass in Hoogyam Range, Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills), 150 metres away from the main road, near the anti-poaching camp on June 26, 2025.
The reports showed the presence of 20 micrograms of pesticide in one tissue sample of the dead carnivores. Veterinarians and experts said that these chemicals were used in large quantities to kill them. While the use of Phorate (a lethal compound) is banned by the Central government, the use of Carbofuran has been regulated.
“Even a small quantity of Carbofuran can kill an animal in couple of hours. Carbofuran is colourless, odourless and has no taste. Hence, it is used for such lethal acts. Though it has been found for the first time in Karnataka, it was used to kill tigers in Jim Corbett, Ooty and Madhya Pradesh. Organo Phosphorus Compound was used to poison the leopard two years back, in Karnataka. However, the chemical analysis reports of the tiger poisoning case in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve were not clear as the carcass was over 7-10 days old,” sources from FLS told TNIE.
Veterinarians and experts analysed 500 chemicals before confirming the presence of these two compounds. They added that the carnivores had no other meat in their body, but of the dead carcass. With this, samples of agricultural crops grown in the vicinity of MM Hills and Chamarajanagara are also now being checked.
Officials said they will now discuss the issue with the agriculture department. “Cases of poisoning are not common, and so this is a concern. The government needs to look into the chemicals, pesticides and insecticides the farmers are using,” a forest department official said.
“It is not possible to check the quantity farmers are buying and using. We advise farmers and dealers to control and choose the pesticides depending on the requirement. But this is a grave concern, and it will be checked as all pesticides are sold through authorised dealers only,” a senior agriculture department official said.
Forest, environment and ecology minister Eshwar B Khandre said that if banned and regulated substances have been used, action will be taken against the people.