Tigers, cubs likely poisoned by poachers?

BENGALURU: The tigress and its four cubs, which were found dead in the Hoogyam range of the MM Hills wildlife sanctuary were likely poisoned by wildlife smugglers as per initial investigation.

Five tigers were found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills). Though the cause of death is suspected to be poisoning, there are allegations of poachers being involved in the incident.

The police had alerted the Forest Department about the presence of poachers in the area, and a letter was written to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) requesting permission to set up a checkpost to monitor suspicious individuals and vehicles.

The letter, dated June 6, highlights the vulnerability of the MM Hills region, which shares borders with three districts of Tamil Nadu — Salem, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri — making it difficult to keep track of suspicious activities. The police have expressed concerns about the potential threat of poachers and the need for a checkpoint to prevent such incidents.

The letter also mentions that the police were not able to monitor suspicious individuals and vehicles that are moving from MM Hills to Hogenakkal. It is important to keep an eye on the activities of villagers of Gopinatham and surrounding villages, it said.

The deaths of the tigers have sparked questions about the effectiveness of the Forest Department’s measures to prevent poaching and protect wildlife in the region. The incident has also raised suspicions about the possible involvement of wildlife taders in tiger parts such as claws and skin. An investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the tigers’ deaths.