In a tragic incident that has shaken wildlife conservation circles, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead on Thursday in the Hoogyam forest range of Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials have termed it the state’s worst single-day tiger death toll at a single location, and poisoning is the leading theory behind the deaths.
Suspected Retaliatory Poisoning
According to forest officials, the tigress had reportedly killed a cow a few days ago, prompting suspicion that the carcass was laced with poison — a retaliatory act that may have fatally affected the tigress and her cubs after they fed on it. An autopsy will be conducted on Friday to confirm the exact cause of death.
Probe Ordered; Criminal Action If Negligence Found
Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has termed the deaths “unnatural” and ordered a high-level inquiry, demanding a detailed report within three days.
“If negligence by forest staff is found, or if the cause is confirmed to be electrocution, poisoning, or any other criminal act, FIRs will be filed,” Khandre said.
Sources suggest that human-wildlife conflict in and around the sanctuary — particularly due to frequent cattle kills by big cats — has led some villagers to adopt retaliatory tactics, such as poisoning and illegal snares.
Conservation Concerns and Tiger Reserve Delay
Karnataka is home to 563 tigers, the second-highest in India after Madhya Pradesh. However, conservationists have long warned that tiger habitats, particularly in the MM Hills region, are under significant pressure due to encroachment and inadequate protection measures.
The 906 sq km MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary has been awaiting tiger reserve status for nearly 15 years, a move conservationists argue could bring better protection, funding, and restrictions on commercial activities.
“While tiger reserve status doesn’t guarantee absolute protection, it significantly raises the priority of conservation efforts and restricts harmful activities in core habitats,” said a wildlife expert.
National and Global Significance
This incident has not only triggered statewide concern but also raised alarms in national and international conservation forums. With India’s global reputation for tiger conservation at stake, the deaths of five tigers in one day underscore the urgent need to balance human-animal conflict and implement protective measures more effectively.
The final autopsy report and investigation findings are expected to shed more light on whether this was a tragic accident or a preventable crime — one that could have devastating implications for India’s flagship species and its already vulnerable habitats.
