Bengaluru: In a deeply disturbing development that has sparked widespread concern among conservationists and wildlife lovers, the carcasses of a mother tiger and her four cubs were discovered in the Male Mahadeshwara Meenyam Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district. Preliminary investigations by forest officials suggest that the tigers may have died due to poisoning—an act that, if confirmed, represents a severe blow to Karnataka’s wildlife conservation efforts.
The incident came to light when forest staff on patrol discovered the bodies of the big cats in the Hanur forest range, sending shockwaves through the Karnataka Forest Department. Authorities suspect the animals were poisoned—possibly through tainted meat. The tragedy has drawn strong reactions from across the state, with questions being raised over forest vigilance and protection protocols in ecologically sensitive zones.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, taking serious note of the matter, immediately ordered a high-level investigation and directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to submit a detailed report within three days. “This is a grave incident. The unnatural death of four tigers in one of our protected reserves is unacceptable. If there is any negligence by forest personnel or foul play by miscreants, stringent action will be taken,” the minister said in a statement to the media.
Karnataka’s tiger pride shaken
Karnataka holds the second-highest tiger population in India, with 563 tigers recorded in the latest census. The state has consistently been a model for tiger conservation, with sanctuaries like Nagarhole, Bandipur, and BRT Hills considered success stories. The death of four tigers—three cubs and their mother—in one stroke has dealt a heartbreaking blow to that image.
“This is not just a loss of wildlife, it is a loss of our legacy and our commitment to conservation,” said noted wildlife biologist Dr. Sanjay Gubbi, who is part of the six-member team constituted to investigate the incident.
6-member probe team formed
In response to the incident, the Forest Department has formed a special six-member investigation team:
• B.P. Ravi – PCCF (Team Head)
• Srinivasulu – APCCF
• Hiralal T. – CSICF
• A representative from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
• A veterinary officer
• Dr. Sanjay Gubbi, renowned wildlife expert
The team will conduct an on-ground survey, inspect carcass samples, and examine the possibility of poisoning or electrocution. Officials have not ruled out revenge killing by locals or illegal hunting rackets. Minister Khandre made it clear that if poisoning is confirmed, a criminal case will be filed against the perpetrators under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Shock and anger from conservation circles
The news has triggered outrage among environmental groups. “The sanctuary is supposed to be a safe haven. If a tigress and four cubs can be killed here, what message does that send?” asked a spokesperson from a local conservation NGO.
Wildlife activists have called for enhanced surveillance in forest zones and stricter enforcement of anti-poaching laws, especially in fringe areas where human-animal conflict is prevalent.
As the investigation unfolds, conservationists await answers—and justice for the five lives lost. The incident serves as a grim reminder that even the best-protected reserves remain vulnerable, and that vigilance must never waver in the fight to protect India’s national animal.
BJP MLA blames Congress govt for tiger deaths
Karkala BJP MLA Sunil Kumar has strongly criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government over the unnatural deaths of five tigers, including a mother and four cubs, in the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. He alleged that the government has failed to address the escalating wildlife-human conflict in the state.
ಮಲೆ ಮಹದೇಶ್ವರ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಹುಲಿಗಳು ಅಸಹಜ ಮರಣವನ್ನಪ್ಪಿರುವುದು ವಿಷಾದನೀಯ.
ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾನವ ಸಂಘರ್ಷವನ್ನು ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಗಣಿಸದೇ ಇರುವುದೇ ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ. ಹುಲಿಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿಷಪ್ರಾಶನ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂಬ ಆರೋಪ ಕೇಳಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hKybN9DaZi— Sunil Kumar Karkala (@karkalasunil) June 26, 2025
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sunil Kumar said, “It is deeply regrettable that five tigers have died unnaturally in the Male Mahadeshwara forest area. The root of this problem lies in the Congress government’s indifference towards wildlife-human conflict.”
He further claimed that locals suspect poisoning as the cause of the deaths. “There are allegations that the tigers were poisoned. The forest department must conduct a thorough investigation,” he urged.
Sunil Kumar also warned that the issue is no longer isolated and has spread across the state, including in ecologically sensitive areas like the Western Ghats. “This is a serious issue that demands urgent and permanent solutions,” he added, calling on the Congress government to prioritize wildlife conservation and improve conflict mitigation strategies.
