The minister’s directive follows reports of a leopard found dead with its legs mutilated near Kaudalli range, along the Ramapura–Martalli border in the Male Mahadeshwara forest area
Published Jul 02, 2025 | 6:49 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 02, 2025 | 6:49 PM
Tigers found dead. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has expressed serious concern over reports of 82 tiger deaths in Karnataka over five and a half years. He has directed top forest officials to submit a detailed report within 10 days, seeking clarity on natural versus unnatural causes, investigation status, and accountability. The order was issued to Additional Chief Secretaries and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
Forest, Zoology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has expressed deep concern over recent media reports revealing that 82 tigers have died in Karnataka over the past five and a half years.
In response, the minister has directed senior forest officials to submit a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding each of these deaths within 10 days.
The directive has been issued to the Additional Chief Secretaries and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).
Minister Khandre has asked for clarity on several key aspects of these fatalities, seeking to differentiate between natural and unnatural causes of death.
“How many of the 82 deaths were due to natural causes, and how many were unnatural? In the case of unnatural deaths, what were the specific causes?” the minister asked in his order.
He also raised concerns about whether proper investigations had been conducted and whether reports were submitted in each instance. In particular, the minister has demanded to know if there was evidence of foul play—such as the removal of tiger claws or teeth—indicating poaching.
Khandre further questioned whether any forest department staff or officials were held accountable in cases involving suspected negligence or complicity, and sought data on arrests made in connection with tiger poaching cases.
“How many people have been convicted so far? How many cases are still under investigation? What is causing delays in the probes?” he asked.
The minister’s orders come in the wake of another disturbing incident: reports of a leopard found dead with its legs cut off near the Kaudalli range in the Ramapura–Martalli border area, within the Male Mahadeshwara forest.
The leopard incident occurred shortly before reports surfaced of five tigers allegedly poisoned in the Hoogyam range of the same forest area. Minister Khandre has now instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to lead a probe into the leopard killing.
“If it is confirmed that the leopard’s body parts were indeed mutilated, a report detailing recommended action against the responsible officers and staff must be submitted within seven days,” he said.
The state’s wildlife conservation record has come under heightened scrutiny, especially given Karnataka’s status as one of India’s top tiger habitats.
The reported number of 82 tiger deaths—an average of nearly 15 per year—has alarmed conservationists and prompted calls for stronger protection measures and stricter accountability within the forest department.
The minister’s swift response signals a more aggressive stance on wildlife protection and internal accountability. With both the 10-day tiger death report and the 7-day leopard killing probe underway, all eyes are now on how the department responds—and whether decisive action will follow.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
