Chamarajanagar: In a devastating blow to Karnataka’s wildlife, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, suspected to have been poisoned after feeding on a cow laced with toxic substances. The tragic discovery has sent shockwaves through conservation circles and the local community, where the tiger holds sacred significance.
The incident, reported from the Meenyam forest area in the Hoogyam range, unfolded after the tigress allegedly hunted a cow and dragged it into the forest to feed her young. Forest officials suspect the cow had been deliberately poisoned—possibly as retaliation by villagers for livestock losses due to predator attacks.
Three cubs and the mother were found dead at the site, with the fourth cub’s body recovered later, bringing the toll to five. A post-mortem conducted under NTCA guidelines confirmed unnatural deaths, reinforcing suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
Forest and police teams have launched a search for the cow’s owner, who may face prosecution under the Wildlife Protection Act. The poisoned cow’s carcass has also been seized for forensic analysis.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra called the incident “brutal and inhuman,” demanding strict action and expanded awareness among forest-fringe communities. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a high-level probe, with a detailed report expected within three days.
“This is a loss not just of five tigers, but of an entire future generation,” Khandre stated, highlighting Karnataka’s critical role in India’s tiger conservation efforts.