Spike in tiger deaths raises alarm in Karnataka: 18 lost in 15 months

In a disturbing trend, Karnataka has recorded 18 tiger deaths in just 15 months, raising serious concerns about wildlife safety and conservation measures in the state. The most recent revelation comes from Chamarajanagar, where five tigers have reportedly died unnaturally, bringing renewed focus to the fragile state of the big cat population.

Also read: Karnataka: Poisoned cow carcass behind death of 5 tigers in MM hills; accused in custody

According to forest department records, from April 2024 till now, 18 tigers have perished across various tiger reserves. Of these, five deaths were confirmed to be due to poisoning — including a notorious case in the MM Hills, while the department claims the remaining 13 deaths were natural.

Karnataka, which had 563 tigers as per the 2022 census, is home to some of India’s most prominent tiger reserves including Bandipur, Nagarhole, BRT, and MM Hills. A timeline of recent deaths paints a grim picture:

• 3 May 2024: 11-year-old male tiger dies in Bandipur
• 14 May 2024: Another tiger succumbs in Bandipur
• 11 June 2024: 5-year-old tiger found dead in Nagarhole
• 7 Dec 2024: 5-year-old female dies in BRT
• 14 Dec 2024 to 24 May 2025: Multiple tiger deaths reported in Nagarhole, HD Kote, Hassan, and Bandipur

Wildlife experts are urging a thorough investigation and immediate preventive steps. Conservationists fear these mounting deaths, especially due to human causes, may undo decades of tiger protection efforts.