Daijiworld Media Network – Chamarajanagar 

Chamarajanagar, Jun 27: In a heart-wrenching incident that has sparked outrage among wildlife conservationists and devotees alike, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, suspected to have died after consuming poisoned cow meat. The tragedy unfolded in Chamarajanagar district, casting a dark shadow over one of Karnataka’s most sacred and biodiverse forest regions.

Forest and police authorities, acting swiftly, have launched a search for the owner of the poisoned cow, believed to be the key to uncovering the motive behind the heinous act. Preliminary investigations suggest the cow may have been intentionally laced with poison by local villagers to deter or retaliate against predator attacks on livestock.

According to forest department sources, the tigress had reportedly hunted and killed a cow, dragging it into the forest for her cubs. It is believed that the big cat and three of her four cubs had partially consumed the meat, only to fall victim to the suspected poison. The fourth cub’s body was recovered shortly after, raising the death toll to five.

The carcasses of the tigress and her cubs were found in the Meenyam forest area within the Hoogyam range of the sanctuary. A post-mortem was conducted in adherence to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols. Veterinary teams confirmed unnatural causes of death, strengthening suspicion of poisoning.

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, reacting to the incident, expressed deep anguish. “The death of five tigers, especially in a region like Male Mahadeshwara where the tiger is revered, is deeply disturbing. If poisoning is confirmed, it is a brutal and inhuman act,” he stated, urging for strict punishment and stronger awareness programmes in forest-fringe communities.

He also stressed that tiger conservation must be a top priority, adding, “The tiger is not just a wild animal—it is our national pride, our heritage. The government must use Central schemes effectively and adopt focused strategies for tiger protection.”

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, addressing media in Bengaluru, announced a high-level investigation into the incident. He said the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within three days.

“Karnataka ranks second in tiger population in India with 563 tigers. This loss is not just of five animals, but of future generations of our wildlife,” Khandre lamented.

The Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 906 sq km, is a rich habitat for diverse wildlife including tigers, elephants, and leopards. The incident has triggered renewed calls for stricter wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, surveillance, and community sensitisation to avoid similar tragedies in future.

Authorities have also recovered the cow carcass believed to have been poisoned and are now working to trace its owner—who could soon face serious legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act.