A tragic incident has unfolded in Karnataka's Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, where five tigers, a tigress and her four cubs, were found dead on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest that the deaths were caused by poisoning, sending shock waves through the conservation community and prompting immediate action from the state government.
The carcasses were discovered in the Hoogyam range of the sanctuary, specifically near Meenyam, close to the Gajanur Mahadeshwara Gudi Bayalu area. The proximity of a cow carcass to the site has further fueled suspicions that the tigers may have consumed poisoned meat. It is speculated that the tigress hunted the cow, and upon returning with her cubs to feed, they all succumbed to the toxic substance.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has taken a serious view of the incident, ordering a high-level probe to be led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). The minister has demanded a report within three days and has assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. This includes potential disciplinary measures against negligent forest staff and the filing of criminal cases against individuals involved in the suspected poisoning.
"The cause of the unnatural deaths of tigers must be deeply examined and investigated," stated Minister Khandre. "If negligence by forest staff is proven, disciplinary action will be taken against them. If this incident is confirmed to be the result of poisoning, I have instructed the officials concerned to register criminal cases against those involved."
The incident is particularly distressing for Karnataka, which holds the second-highest tiger population in India, with an estimated 563 tigers. The state has earned a reputation for its successful tiger conservation efforts, making this loss of five tigers in a single day a significant setback.
Forest officials are currently on-site, conducting post-mortem and forensic analyses to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation will focus on identifying the source of the poison and the individuals responsible for this heinous act. The incident has also brought to light the ongoing issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region, with villagers sometimes resorting to poisoning and snaring in response to livestock depredation by big cats. There are also concerns about the delay in compensation payments to villagers for cattle kills, which may exacerbate the conflict.
Conservation activists have expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the need for increased protection measures and accountability. They point out that previous cases of tiger deaths due to poisoning in the region remain unresolved, underscoring the challenges in securing convictions in such cases.
The state government's delay in declaring the 906 sq km MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve has also drawn criticism. While the declaration alone may not guarantee the safety of the tigers, conservationists believe it would help prevent increasing commercialization of the area and strengthen conservation efforts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the threats facing tigers and the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. The outcome of the investigation and the actions taken by the authorities will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future and ensuring the long-term survival of tigers in Karnataka.
