Following the brutal tiger poaching in M.M. Hills, authorities have apprehended the main suspect and stepped up conservation and patrol measures across the sanctuary.
Bengaluru
Following the recent tiger killing in the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Forest, Wildlife, and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has instructed officials to hold consultations with local communities and submit a detailed report to facilitate the declaration of a tiger reserve in the area.
The minister convened an urgent video conference with forest officers from all tiger reserves in the state and the Mysuru division, noting that the Wildlife Board has already approved the proposal for a tiger reserve. Officials were directed to collect comprehensive data on local settlements within forest zones, including the number of livestock and households, and ensure compensation for wildlife-related deaths. Awareness campaigns are to be conducted in sanctuary-adjacent villages, addressing incidents of poisoning and poaching, while also verifying crop damage claims for timely relief.
Authorities have apprehended the prime suspect in the case, in which the tiger was dismembered into three parts, and further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the motive. Khandre emphasized increasing patrols within the sanctuary and taking swift action against previous tiger poaching cases, sending a clear deterrent message.
The minister also instructed that frontline staff receive timely salaries and adequate resources—including GPS-enabled monitoring, boots, jackets, food, and water—to effectively carry out patrol duties. Modern technology must be fully utilized for surveillance.
Additionally, the recent death of an elephant near Gollaradoddi in Channapatna due to electric shock was reviewed. Measures have been recommended to prevent elephants from contacting live wires, and utility companies have been asked to repair exposed electric lines near forest areas.
Senior forest officials, including Meenakshi Negi and Chief Wildlife Warden P.C. Ray, attended the meeting to coordinate implementation.