Bangalore/Chamarajanagar: The tragic loss of five tigers in the Hugyam Range of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) Wildlife Sanctuary has sent shockwaves through Karnataka, prompting urgent investigations by both state and central authorities. Suspected poisoning is at the heart of this devastating incident, which has intensified calls to designate MM Hills as a tiger reserve to bolster protection for one of South India’s critical wildlife corridors.
A Devastating Blow to Karnataka’s Tiger Population
Karnataka, home to 563 tigers—India’s second-largest tiger population after Madhya Pradesh—has been thrust into the spotlight following the deaths. The MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 906 sq km, is a vital habitat connecting the BRT Tiger Reserve and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. However, its lack of formal tiger reserve status has left it vulnerable to threats like habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
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The five deceased tigers—three females and two males, including two sub-adults—were discovered between June 15 and June 22, 2025, in a forested stretch near Hugyam village. Preliminary veterinary reports suggest poisoning, possibly linked to retaliatory actions by local communities over livestock predation. Tissue samples have been sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun for forensic analysis, with results expected within 10 days.
Dual Investigations Launched
Karnataka’s Minister for Forests, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar B. Khandre, visited the site on June 24, 2025, and described the deaths as a “criminal act.” He announced a state-led investigation headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subhash Malkhede, alongside senior officials, a National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) representative, and wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi. “We suspect poisoning, and strict action will be taken against the culprits once post-mortem and forensic reports are received,” Khandre stated.
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The minister also addressed concerns about forest department inefficiencies, including delayed salaries for over 200 outsourced frontline workers in MM Hills. “An inquiry into wage delays is underway, and we will ensure timely payments to strengthen ground-level monitoring,” he added. Additionally, Khandre directed officials to install 50 more camera traps in the Hugyam Range to enhance surveillance.
Central Intervention: SIT Constituted
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, comprising V. Harini, Assistant Inspector General (AIG), NTCA, Bengaluru, and Thenmozhi V., AIG of Forests and Regional Deputy Director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The SIT arrived at MM Hills on June 25, 2025, and is tasked with submitting a report within two weeks. The team is investigating potential poaching links, analyzing patrol records, and interviewing local communities to identify motives.
The MoEFCC has instructed the Karnataka government to provide logistical support, including access to GIS mapping data and wildlife monitoring records, to aid the central probe.
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MM Hills: A Sanctuary Under Strain
The MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Chamarajanagar district, supports an estimated 15-20 tigers and serves as a critical corridor for gene flow between tiger populations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Despite its ecological significance, the sanctuary has awaited tiger reserve status for over 15 years. Conservationists argue that this delay has limited funding, staffing, and anti-poaching measures, leaving the area exposed to threats.
“MM Hills is a biodiversity hotspot, but without tiger reserve status, it lacks the robust protection needed to safeguard apex predators,” said wildlife biologist Dr. Krithi Karanth. The sanctuary faces challenges from illegal grazing, forest fires, and encroachment, with over 10,000 cattle entering the sanctuary daily, exacerbating human-wildlife conflict.
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The deaths have reignited demands for elevating MM Hills to a tiger reserve, which would unlock NTCA funding, increase patrol staff, and enable advanced monitoring systems. “This tragedy could have been prevented with better resources and oversight. Declaring MM Hills a tiger reserve is non-negotiable now,” said Sanjay Gubbi.
Environmental and Social Implications
The loss of five tigers—representing nearly 1% of Karnataka’s tiger population—is a significant ecological setback. Tigers are keystone species, and their decline could disrupt the forest ecosystem, affecting prey populations and vegetation. Local communities, dependent on the sanctuary for fuelwood and grazing, are also concerned about rising human-tiger conflicts, with 12 livestock attacks reported in Hugyam village this year.
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Environmentalists warn that unchecked retaliatory poisonings could escalate if community grievances are not addressed. “Compensation for livestock losses must be swift, and awareness programs are critical to reduce animosity toward tigers,” said conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni.
A Call for Action
As investigations continue, both state and central authorities face pressure to deliver justice and address systemic gaps. The state has deployed additional forest guards to MM Hills and plans to conduct joint patrols with the NTCA. Meanwhile, the MoEFCC is reviewing Karnataka’s tiger conservation protocols to prevent future incidents.
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The tragedy has galvanized conservationists, local leaders, and wildlife enthusiasts to demand accountability and urgent action. “The death of five tigers is a wake-up call. MM Hills must be declared a tiger reserve to ensure its tigers—and Karnataka’s wildlife legacy—are protected,” said Dr. Karanth.
With the spotlight on MM Hills, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this loss sparks meaningful change or remains a grim reminder of the challenges facing India’s tiger conservation efforts.
