MYSURU: In a major blow to tiger conservation efforts in Karnataka, the carcasses of a tigress and her four cubs were found in Meenyam forest of Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamrajnagar district on Thursday morning.
Foresters prima facie suspect that the big cats died after consuming poison-laced cattle meat. The carcasses were found by the frontline staff during routine morning patrol. A team of veterinarians conducted the autopsy and collected comprehensive tissue, blood, and stomach samples for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling.
Expressing shock over the incident, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered a probe into the “unnatural death” of the animals. Top forest officials, including CCF Heeralal, APCCF Srinivasaan and DFO Chakrapani, as well as National Tiger Conservation Authority representative Malleshappa, visited the spot. A dog squad has been pressed into service and forensic experts have collected physical evidence.
Residents of most villages falling in MM Hills take their livestock to the forest range for grazing. There have been many incidents of cattle being killed by tigers and leopards. Officials suspect that a cattle owner, upset over the killing of his livestock, had laced the meat with fluoride. The forest and police departments have started tracking, summoning, and investigating shepherds grazing cattle in Hoogyam, Meenyam and nearby fields, as well as those owning cattle sheds in open spaces. The police are also compiling a list of cattle grazers and cattle owners living on the forest fringes.
The forest minister has directed the PCCF to investigate and submit a report within three days, promising serious action against those responsible. “The area has been immediately cordoned off and declared a protected zone. Standard Scene of Crime (SoC) protocols have been invoked, with a 500-metre sweep radius activated to preserve and collect all physical evidence. A five-member expert team has undertaken a comprehensive necropsy following NTCA protocols,” Khandre said.
Following the incident, the forest department has strengthened monitoring and anti-poaching vigilance using drones, and all anti-poaching camps have been put on high alert. A search for snares, poison baits, and traps is on. Officials have announced zero tolerance against wildlife crimes, and a 24x7 confidential helpline has been activated at the divisional office to receive tips on wildlife crimes.