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Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Death of five tigers: Discovery of cow carcass strengthens poisoning doubt
Bengaluru, The discovery of a seemingly stale carcass of a cow in Hugyam forest range in Mahadeshwara Hills on Friday strengthens the doubt that the death of a tigress and her four cubs could be due to poisoning, officials said. Death of five tigers: Discovery of cow carcass strengthens poisoning doubt These five tigers were found dead in this forest on Thursday. It is suspected that the miscreants had poisoned the cow, and after eating it, the tigress and its cubs might have died. "Either the bovine was poisoned before being left in the forest, or the owner of the cattle, after spotting the dead cow, would have spread poison on its body, which the tigress and her cubs ate and died," the officer said. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre too backed the same theory. He said someone might have poisoned the cattle, which led to the death of the big cats. "Our government has taken the matter very seriously, and we will investigate it from all angles. We will not spare those behind it," Khandre told reporters. While the autopsy on the mother tigress was done on Thursday itself, the postmortem on the four cubs was underway on Friday, the forest officials said. The tigress and the cubs were found dead during routine morning patrol by vigilant frontline staff, officials said. A five-member team of experts on Thursday undertook a comprehensive necropsy following NTCA protocols. The tissue, blood, and stomach samples were being processed for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling, forest officials said. Following the incident, the forest department has strengthened monitoring and anti-poaching vigilance across the Hugyam range. According to Kandre, real-time drone surveillance, infrared cameras, and GPS-based M-STRIPES patrols have been escalated across the range, and all Anti-Poaching Camps are on high alert. Intensive sweeps for snares, poison baits, and traps are being conducted, and a confidential informer network with reward mechanisms is operational for actionable intelligence, Khandre had said on Thursday. Karnataka had the second highest number of tigers in the country, with 563 of these big cats, after Madhya Pradesh, which has 785, as per the Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India 2022 report. The report was released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority . This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka forest minister orders probe into 'unnatural death' of tigress, four cubs
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Thursday ordered a probe into the "unnatural death" of a tigress and four cubs in Male Mahadeshwara Hills under the Hugyam forest range. Bengaluru: Mortal remains of a tigress after it died with four cubs at Male Mahadeshwara Hills under the Hugyam forest range, in Bengaluru.(PTI) The tigress and the cubs were found dead during routine morning patrol by vigilant frontline staff, officials said. Expressing sorrow over the incident, Khandre immediately ordered an investigation into the matter, which will be led by a team under the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). As per preliminary information, the tigers died allegedly due to poisoning. However, a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of death, they said. "The area has been immediately cordoned off and declared a protected zone. Standard Scene of Crime (SoC) protocols have been invoked, with a 500-meter sweep radius activated to preserve and collect all physical evidence. A five-member team expert has undertaken a comprehensive necropsy following NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) protocols," Khandre said, in a statement. The minister said comprehensive tissue, blood, and stomach samples are being processed for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling. In accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and NTCA guidelines, a high-level inquiry committee has been initiated following the orders of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Karnataka. The committee shall submit a comprehensive report within 14 days, he said. Following the incident, the forest department has strengthened monitoring and anti-poaching vigilance across the Hugyam range. According to Kandre, real-time drone surveillance, infrared cameras, and GPS-based M-STRIPES patrols have been escalated across the range and all Anti-Poaching Camps (APCs) are on high alert. Intensive sweeps for snares, poison baits and traps are being conducted and a confidential informer network with reward mechanisms is operational for actionable intelligence, he said. The minister has issued instructions to the Additional Chief Secretary and the Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department, stating that the government is taking the deaths of five tigers very seriously and has directed that action be taken against those found guilty. Referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Project Tiger for the protection of endangered tigers, the minister noted that Karnataka has also taken proactive steps in tiger conservation. With 563 tigers, the state ranks second in the country. He added that it is deeply painful that five tigers died unnaturally in a single day in a state known for its tiger conservation. "If negligence by forest staff is found, or if the deaths were caused by electrocution, poisoning, or any other reason, criminal cases should be filed against those responsible and appropriate action taken," he stated. "The Karnataka Forest Department 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," he added. The Minister appealed to local communities, wildlife enthusiasts, and the general public to stand united in this moment of loss. "Tiger conservation is a collective responsibility. A 24x7 confidential helpline has been activated at the Division Office to receive credible tips on wildlife crimes," he added.
