<p>A tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chamarajanagar district of India’s southern state of Karnataka on Thursday (June 26), with officials suspecting it to be a case of poisoning. The incident is believed to have happened on Wednesday (June 25) and came to light on Thursday. The five carcasses were found in the Hoogyam range of the wildlife sanctuary. There was also a carcass of a cow nearby, reinforcing the poison theory.<br>The tigress was believed to be around 11 years and had been first camera-trapped in November 2014 when it was 6 to 8 months old.</p><p><br>Officials suspect that the tigress had killed a cow and dragged it inside the forest. It partially consumed the kill and left when some miscreants poisoned the carcass. When the tigress returned with her cubs and consumed it, they all died.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Conservationists raise questions</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Conservationists have raised questions over the death of five big cats in a day in Karnataka, which has the second-highest number of tigers after Madhya Pradesh. Karnataka currently has 563 tigers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They pointed out that the state government has been dragging its feet on declaring the 906 sq km sanctuary a tiger reserve, as it will help prevent the increasing commercialisation of the area, thereby bringing down wildlife conflict with humans.</p><p>Villagers resort to poisoning amid the growing conflicts with wildlife, especially cattle thefts by the big cats.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the deaths, authorities have stepped up monitoring and commenced real-time surveillance with infrared cameras and intensified patrolling with GPS-based apps and software.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 906 sq km and is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, apart from a rich density of prey species.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Centre sets up SIT to probe 5 tiger deaths in a day</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the Centre has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the death of five tigers.&nbsp;</p><p>The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constituted a two-member SIT, comprising Harini V, Assistant Inspector General, National Tiger Conservation Authority’s regional bureau in Bengaluru, and Thenmozhi V, Aisstant Inspector General of Forests, South Region, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The SIT has been told to submit its report within two weeks, while the state government has been requested to provide all logistical support and assistance to the team.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre had also issued an order setting up a six-member investigation team, led by B P Ravi, principal chief conservator of forest (EWPRT&amp;CC) and comprising five others, including wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“If negligence by forest staff is found or if the deaths were caused by electrocution, poisoning or any other reason, criminal cases would be filed,” Khandre said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Conservationists point out that the state government has been dragging its feet on declaring the 906 sq km sanctuary a tiger reserve, as it will help prevent the increasing commercialisation of the area, thereby bringing down wildlife conflict with humans.

A tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chamarajanagar district of India’s southern state of Karnataka on Thursday (June 26), with officials suspecting it to be a case of poisoning. The incident is believed to have happened on Wednesday (June 25) and came to light on Thursday. The five carcasses were found in the Hoogyam range of the wildlife sanctuary. There was also a carcass of a cow nearby, reinforcing the poison theory. The tigress was believed to be around 11 years and had been first camera-trapped in November 2014 when it was 6 to 8 months old. Officials suspect that the tigress had killed a cow and dragged it inside the forest. It partially consumed the kill and left when some miscreants poisoned the carcass. When the tigress returned with her cubs and consumed it, they all died. Conservationists raise questions Conservationists have raised questions over the death of five big cats in a day in Karnataka, which has the second-highest number of tigers after Madhya Pradesh. Karnataka currently has 563 tigers. They pointed out that the state government has been dragging its feet on declaring the 906 sq km sanctuary a tiger reserve, as it will help prevent the increasing commercialisation of the area, thereby bringing down wildlife conflict with humans. Villagers resort to poisoning amid the growing conflicts with wildlife, especially cattle thefts by the big cats. After the deaths, authorities have stepped up monitoring and commenced real-time surveillance with infrared cameras and intensified patrolling with GPS-based apps and software. The M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 906 sq km and is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, apart from a rich density of prey species. Centre sets up SIT to probe 5 tiger deaths in a day Meanwhile, the Centre has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the death of five tigers. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constituted a two-member SIT, comprising Harini V, Assistant Inspector General, National Tiger Conservation Authority’s regional bureau in Bengaluru, and Thenmozhi V, Aisstant Inspector General of Forests, South Region, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The SIT has been told to submit its report within two weeks, while the state government has been requested to provide all logistical support and assistance to the team. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre had also issued an order setting up a six-member investigation team, led by B P Ravi, principal chief conservator of forest (EWPRT&CC) and comprising five others, including wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi. “If negligence by forest staff is found or if the deaths were caused by electrocution, poisoning or any other reason, criminal cases would be filed,” Khandre said.

<p>Conservationists point out that the state government has been dragging its feet on declaring the 906 sq km sanctuary a tiger reserve, as it will help prevent the increasing commercialisation of the area, thereby bringing down wildlife conflict with humans.</p>

Tigress and her four cubs found dead in Karnataka wildlife sanctuary, Centre sets up SIT to probe

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Arrowhead, the celebrated tigress, who once roamed the heartlands of Ranthambore National Park, has died at the age of 14. The forest officials confirmed her death earlier this week. &nbsp;She died just hours after her daughter was relocated to another tiger reserve. Officially known as T-84, Arrowhead was an iconic figure among wildlife photographers, researchers, and regular visitors to the park. Wildlife photographer Sachin Rai, who had tracked Arrowhead since she was a cub, captured what is now believed to be her final moments. In a video, he posted on his Instagram, Rai documented her slow, laboured walk near Padam Talab on the evening of June 17. In the caption he described it as, “Each movement was a visible effort. In that quiet moment, I knew in my heart that the end was near."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Legacy and Lineage of Ranthambore’s Queen</strong></h2><p>Born in 2014, Arrowhead was part of a legendary tiger lineage. She was the daughter of Krishna (T-19) and granddaughter of Machhli (T-16), who is one of India’s most famous tigresses. Over the years, Arrowhead established her own territory, much of which overlapped with areas once ruled by her mother and grandmother, earning her the title ‘Queen of Ranthambore’ among park regulars.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rai wrote, “On the evening of June 17th, I witnessed what would likely be the last walk of the legendary tigress Arrowhead. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle, attempting to rise and take a few feeble steps before collapsing again.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2>&nbsp;</h2><p>Her grandmother was famously known as the 'Crocodile Killer', and Arrowhead lived up to that legacy. Just days before her death, she was captured on video ambushing a crocodile despite her deteriorating health. The footage, showing her gripping the crocodile’s neck with her teeth, quickly went viral on social media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>An Iconic Tigress’s Final Moments</strong></h2><p>Forest authorities further revealed that Arrowhead had been battling advanced bone cancer since a long time and was under observation in recent weeks. According to Rai, her condition had visibly deteriorated, as shown in the final footage where she struggled to stay on her feet before she eventually collapsed under a tree.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Arrowhead was believed to be filled with valour describing her courage Rai wrote, "I watched her confront new males like T120, and raise a fourth litter (she lost her third litter too) while fending off her now-dominant daughter. She lived a full and fiercely independent life—a true tigress in every sense."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Her death has left a void in the Ranthambore landscape, the one not just of a dominant tigress, but of a symbolic presence rooted in decades of conservation history. For many, Arrowhead represented a direct link to a legacy that shaped how wild tigers are seen and protected in India.</p>

Just days before her death, she was captured on video ambushing a crocodile despite her deteriorating health. The footage, showing her gripping the crocodile’s neck with her teeth, quickly went viral on social media.

Arrowhead, the celebrated tigress, who once roamed the heartlands of Ranthambore National Park, has died at the age of 14. The forest officials confirmed her death earlier this week. She died just hours after her daughter was relocated to another tiger reserve. Officially known as T-84, Arrowhead was an iconic figure among wildlife photographers, researchers, and regular visitors to the park. Wildlife photographer Sachin Rai, who had tracked Arrowhead since she was a cub, captured what is now believed to be her final moments. In a video, he posted on his Instagram, Rai documented her slow, laboured walk near Padam Talab on the evening of June 17. In the caption he described it as, “Each movement was a visible effort. In that quiet moment, I knew in my heart that the end was near." Legacy and Lineage of Ranthambore’s Queen Born in 2014, Arrowhead was part of a legendary tiger lineage. She was the daughter of Krishna (T-19) and granddaughter of Machhli (T-16), who is one of India’s most famous tigresses. Over the years, Arrowhead established her own territory, much of which overlapped with areas once ruled by her mother and grandmother, earning her the title ‘Queen of Ranthambore’ among park regulars. Rai wrote, “On the evening of June 17th, I witnessed what would likely be the last walk of the legendary tigress Arrowhead. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle, attempting to rise and take a few feeble steps before collapsing again.”

<p>Just days before her death, she was captured on video ambushing a crocodile despite her deteriorating health. The footage, showing her gripping the crocodile’s neck with her teeth, quickly went viral on social media.</p>

The 'Queen of Ranthambore' is dead: Tigress Arrowhead’s last moments capture a life of strength

<p>The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-drops-crucial-dates-when-city-could-experience-artificial-rain-656602">Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in</a></strong></p>

<p>“The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg&nbsp;in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg,&nbsp;apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-cave-road-connectivity-project-kicks-up-row-politicians-say-environmental-disaster-in-making-656575">Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making</a></strong></p>

<p>Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.&nbsp;</p>


The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders.

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc. In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972. ALSO READ | Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in “The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI. According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg, apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department. ALSO READ | Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.

India: Wildlife Act amendment helps crackdown on illegal trade; elephant tusks seized

<p>Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora.</p>

<p>They said the decision by China is likely to result in decline in the population of the animals and has potential "grave and devastating" implications for tiger and rhino conservation in India.</p>

<p>According to media reports, China has partially lifted the ban on the use of tiger bones and rhino horns for medicinal uses. The ban was imposed in 1993 to save the endangered species.</p>

<p>Dipankar Ghose, director-species and landscapes programme at WWF-India Secretariat, said the consequences of such a reversal is likely to adversely affect the population of the two species across the globe.</p>

<p>According to a latest survey, India has 2,226 tigers and 3,500 rhinos are left in both India and Nepal.</p>

<p>"People involved in illegal wildlife trade of tiger bones and rhino horns might target the wild populations in India. Our country, with 60 per cent and 85 per cent of global populations of wild tigers and greater one-horned rhinos respectively, will be under threat of poaching.</p>

<p>"India and other tiger range countries are committed to doubling populations of wild tigers under the ambitious Global Tiger Recovery Programme, and reversal of this ban on commercial trade of tiger bones would have devastating implications on reaching the Tx2 goal," Ghose said.</p>

<p>Tx2 is a 12-year ambition to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next year of the tiger.</p>

<p>Ghose said the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns in China had reduced the demand, and as a result there was less pressure on the population of wild tigers and rhinos.</p>

<p>"The Environment Ministry along with the state governments would need to strengthen protection of wild tiger and rhino populations and be vigilant against poaching. It would also need collaboration between enforcement agencies at central and state level for curbing illegal trade in tiger and rhino derivatives," he said.</p>

<p>Gajender K Sharma, another wildlife expert, said China's reversal of the ban has "potential grave implications" for the conservation and welfare of tigers and rhinos in India.</p>

<p>"We urge the Indian government to voice their concern on this matter with the Chinese government via fora like the Global Tiger Forum. We also urge the government to take steps to prevent any poaching incidents that may happen in the future as an impact of this decision," said Sharma, India country director, World Animal Protection.</p>

<p>Elaborating the implications of the Chinese decision, Sharma said this may result in these species being poached in the wild to fuel a renewed demand in products containing body parts of the animals and also enhance the possibility that it may stimulate a demand for these products in India.</p>

<p>"Either way, this relaxation appears to be a retrogressive step that is not in the best interest of tigers and rhinos in India and elsewhere wherever they are found," Sharma added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora.

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora. They said the decision by China is likely to result in decline in the population of the animals and has potential "grave and devastating" implications for tiger and rhino conservation in India. According to media reports, China has partially lifted the ban on the use of tiger bones and rhino horns for medicinal uses. The ban was imposed in 1993 to save the endangered species. Dipankar Ghose, director-species and landscapes programme at WWF-India Secretariat, said the consequences of such a reversal is likely to adversely affect the population of the two species across the globe. According to a latest survey, India has 2,226 tigers and 3,500 rhinos are left in both India and Nepal. "People involved in illegal wildlife trade of tiger bones and rhino horns might target the wild populations in India. Our country, with 60 per cent and 85 per cent of global populations of wild tigers and greater one-horned rhinos respectively, will be under threat of poaching. "India and other tiger range countries are committed to doubling populations of wild tigers under the ambitious Global Tiger Recovery Programme, and reversal of this ban on commercial trade of tiger bones would have devastating implications on reaching the Tx2 goal," Ghose said. Tx2 is a 12-year ambition to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next year of the tiger. Ghose said the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns in China had reduced the demand, and as a result there was less pressure on the population of wild tigers and rhinos. "The Environment Ministry along with the state governments would need to strengthen protection of wild tiger and rhino populations and be vigilant against poaching. It would also need collaboration between enforcement agencies at central and state level for curbing illegal trade in tiger and rhino derivatives," he said. Gajender K Sharma, another wildlife expert, said China's reversal of the ban has "potential grave implications" for the conservation and welfare of tigers and rhinos in India. "We urge the Indian government to voice their concern on this matter with the Chinese government via fora like the Global Tiger Forum. We also urge the government to take steps to prevent any poaching incidents that may happen in the future as an impact of this decision," said Sharma, India country director, World Animal Protection. Elaborating the implications of the Chinese decision, Sharma said this may result in these species being poached in the wild to fuel a renewed demand in products containing body parts of the animals and also enhance the possibility that it may stimulate a demand for these products in India. "Either way, this relaxation appears to be a retrogressive step that is not in the best interest of tigers and rhinos in India and elsewhere wherever they are found," Sharma added.

Experts fear China lifting ban on tiger, rhino parts may intensify poaching in India

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Tigress and her four cubs found dead in Karnataka wildlife sanctuary, Centre sets up SIT to probe

Tigress Arrowhead’s last moments capture a life of strength

India: Wildlife Act amendment helps crackdown on illegal trade; elephant tusks seized

Experts fear China lifting ban on tiger, rhino parts may intensify poaching in India