Authorities in India have initiated an investigation following the discovery of an endangered tigress and her four cubs deceased within a protected forest in the southern state of Karnataka. An official confirmed the launch of the probe on Friday.
Eshwar Khandre, the State Forest Minister, described the “unnatural” deaths as “extremely tragic and distressing,” and announced the immediate formation of an investigation team. Local media outlets have reported that forest officials suspect poisoning as the cause.
According to The Times of India, the tigress had reportedly killed a cow several days prior. It is theorized that poison may have been introduced into the carcass, which the cubs subsequently also consumed.
Minister Khandre emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “If there has been any negligence, or if the tigers died due to any reason, I have ordered criminal action against those responsible.”
India’s ongoing conservation efforts have led to a notable resurgence in its wild tiger population. The most recent census indicates that over 3,600 tigers now roam freely in India, representing a significant 75 percent of the world’s total tiger population. However, the expansion of human settlements and the reduction of natural habitats have intensified human-wildlife conflict. Official figures reveal that more than 600 people have tragically lost their lives in tiger attacks over the past decade.
