Chamarajanagar, July 12 — Laboratory tests have confirmed that the pesticide Carbofuran was used to poison and kill five tigers—a tigress and her four cubs—in the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) T. Hiralal announced on Saturday.
According to Hiralal, who is part of the high-level investigation committee, forensic analysis by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAH&VB) detected Carbofuran in the carcass of a cow preyed upon by the tigers. The cow’s meat was deliberately laced with this highly toxic pesticide as an act of revenge.
The tigress and her cubs died after consuming the poisoned meat, specifically the fat-rich hind portion of the cow where Carbofuran was sprayed. This odourless pesticide is extremely harmful and banned in several countries due to its toxicity to humans and wildlife.
Forest officials had sent samples from the cow carcass and tiger remains for testing. The investigation revealed that three individuals were arrested for poisoning the tigers, motivated by anger over the cow’s death. The accused admitted to purchasing the pesticide and lacing the carcass to kill the tigers. Maduraju, the owner of the cow named ‘Kenchi’, allegedly celebrated the deaths.
The tiger carcasses were found on June 26 in the Meenyam forest area of the Hoogyam range. Following the incident, the Karnataka government suspended the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) and two other officials for their roles.
The high-level committee, formed on Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre’s orders, is expected to submit its final report shortly, which will provide further details on this tragic case of wildlife poisoning.
