BENGALURU: Despite stringent measures, wildlife-related cases continue to be reported in Karnataka. Data from the state forest department shows that from 2010–11 till August 19, 2026, a total of 3,289 wildlife-related cases have been reported in the Chamagarajanagar Circle comprising Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills) and BRT Tiger Reserve.
According to the data, the forest divisions recorded 777 wildlife offences, 370 poaching cases and 66 cases where guns and other weapons were used.
The data shows that MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 2,256 wildlife offences. The buffer range in Kollegal of MM Hills recorded the highest number of forest offence cases (979) in the said period. It also recorded the highest cases of gun use (17) besides 97 poaching cases.
Forest department officials said Chamarajanagar Circle assumes significance because of its geographic location and the boundary the forest patches share with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Officials in Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), southern division, said there is an urgent need for inter-state and inter-departmental coordination to address issues pertaining to usage of weapons and wildlife poaching. They said the method of poaching has changed, and to tackle it, foresters need to adapt to the latest technology.
Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy said there have been around 3,000 cases in Chamarajanagar division since 2010–11, including 66 gun fights. The information is being studied in detail, he said.
Hitting back at the Opposition and commenting on the BJP’s allegations, Reddy said there were cases of shootouts, injuries and deaths when BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai were chief ministers. He said such cases happen in forest areas and instead of politicising such cases, everyone should work together for the protection of forests. “More than 100 people living around the forest areas possess guns, some of them without licences. This will be discussed with the home minister and appropriate action will be taken against them.”
About the Hannur shooting incident where three people were killed by foresters and one was injured in CWS on August 15, Reddy said the ministry is waiting for the judicial inquiry report. With Saturday and Sunday being holidays, the report is likely to come on Monday. Once it is handed over by the chief secretary, it will be discussed with the chief minister and “action will be taken against forest officials if they are found guilty”, he said.
Reddy said people behind destroying the anti-poaching camps following the Hannur incident have been identified. It has been established that many of them were involved in previous cases, including the killing of tigers. “Action will also be taken against the rioters. The entire report will also be tabled and discussed in the ongoing Assembly and Council sessions,” he said.