A tiger found dead in the Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Wildlife Division has brought renewed urgency to Karnataka’s long-pending plan of declaring the area a tiger reserve. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, reviewing the incident on Saturday, directed officials to hold consultations with residents and submit a final proposal at the earliest.
The carcass of the 12-year-old tiger was discovered on October 2. Preliminary findings suggested poisoning, with officials adding that the animal had been chopped into three parts. One suspect has already been detained in connection with the case.
“Interrogation is underway, and the actual cause of death will be known soon,” forest officials said, pointing out that the post-mortem had revealed no snare or bullet wounds and confirmed that no body parts were missing.
Khandre convened an emergency video conference with forest officers from all tiger reserves and the Mysuru division, reminding them that the State Wildlife Board had already cleared the MM Hills reserve proposal. “Officials must now consult local representatives and submit the final report,” his office said in a statement.
Also read: 5 tigers found dead in Karnataka's MM Hills, forest department blamed
The minister underlined the need for heightened vigilance in the conflict-prone fringes of MM Hills and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries. “Incidents of poisoning and poaching have been reported from villages along the fringes of MM Hills and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries. Awareness campaigns must be conducted, and compensation for crop damage verified and paid without delay,” he told officers.
He also ordered patrolling to be intensified, warning staff of disciplinary action if found negligent. “Speedy punishment must be ensured for those involved in tiger killings, including the recent case, to send a strong message,” he added.
The MM Hills region has witnessed such killings before. On June 26, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Hugyam range after consuming a poisoned cow. Three people, including the animal’s owner, were arrested then.
The minister asked officers to strengthen technology-led monitoring by verifying the M-STRiPES digital tracking system, with GPS-tagged photos submitted during patrols for higher-level review. “Staff must take GPS-tagged photos during patrols so that senior officers can periodically review them,” he said.
He further directed that anti-poaching camp personnel be provided with basic facilities such as boots, jackets, food grains and drinking water. Salaries of outsourced frontline workers, he noted, must not be delayed.
Khandre emphasised that both deterrence and support systems must work in tandem if Karnataka’s tiger habitats are to be secured.
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