CHAMARAJANAGAR: A tiger died after it got trapped in a snare while the tusks of a dead elephant are missing in the Maddur forest range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Gundlupet taluk.
The two-year-old tiger died after it got trapped in a snare laid by poachers. The carcass was found one week after incident. Veterinary doctors conducted an autopsy of the dead tiger and Forest department officials have launched a search for those who laid the snare.
Meanwhile, an elephant carcass was found at Karadikallu hill in Maddur zone with its tusks missing. It was not known immediately if the elephant was killed by poachers who took away the tusks or whether the elephant died of natural causes.
It is said that poachers are active in the area with allegations that patrolling is not happening properly. The functioning of the Maddur forest Range Forest Officers and staff has also been called into question as the two cases were not reported immediately, raising suspicion.
Speaking about the incident, Bandipur DCF L Nandeesh said in Chamarajanagar on Wednesday, “An investigation team has been formed under leadership of an ACF and three RFOs to investigate the tiger death and we are maintaining vigil on those who set up snares. The team will give its report in one week. We came to know about the tiger death on October 10 and veterinarians were called to conduct the post-mortem examination which has established that the tiger died due to getting trapped in the snare”.
The DCF said, “We will investigate at all levels including regarding patrolling and if negligence is found, disciplinary action will be taken. The tiger’s claws and teeth are safe and only the skeletal remains of the elephant were found, but not the tusks. The investigation will establish whether the elephant was hunted or if the death was natural. The bones have sent to the lab for examination”.
The DCF, however, denied that the Forest department was trying to hush up the two cases. “We will see where the lapses have occurred. Information was not given out so that poachers should not get alerted. Action will be taken against whoever is responsible and we will reveal everything after the report comes”, DCF Nandeesh said.
