Lab tests confirm tiger deaths due to carbofuran pesticide: Chief Conservator of Forests

Chamarajanagar: Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Chamarajanagar Circle T Heeralal has said that laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the pesticide carbofuran in the bodies of five tigers found dead recently in the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Hanur taluk in the district.

The samples and viscera of the dead tigers were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory and the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals Laboratory to determine the cause of death. The reports now confirm that pesticide carbofuran was responsible for the deaths, he said.

It may be recalled that the carcasses of a tigress and four cubs were found in the Meenyam forest area under the Hoogyam range of the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary on June 26.

The tigress had hunted a cow and dragged it into the forest, partially feeding on it. In revenge, miscreants allegedly sprayed carbofuran, an odourless but toxic pesticide, on the cow's carcass. The tigers consumed the poisoned meat and died.

Three people were arrested for poisoning the carcass to kill the tigers. They confessed to the crime during the investigation.

The government later suspended three forest officials for negligence. A final report on the incident will be submitted soon, and further details are expected.