Carbofuran used to poison MM Hills tigers, probe reveals | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: A high-level committee probing the poisoning of five tigers at MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary discovered that the accused used the highly toxic insecticide ‘Carbofuran’ to poison the tigers at the Hoogyam range.The experts, who are expected to submit their report in a day or two to the forest minister, revealed chilling facts pertaining to the poisoning.The committee members, who met at Kollegal on Wednesday to finalise the report, revealed that the accused used the highly restricted insecticide to avenge the killing of their cattle by a tiger.While the target was just one tiger that had killed the bovine, the tigress behind the kill came back with four of her cubs to feed on the carcass. Eventually, all five died of poisoning.“The lab analysis reports and postmortem confirmed Carbofuran was sprinkled on the carcass of the cattle by the accused,” said one of the members of the probe committee.Sources in the forest department revealed to TOI that this insecticide poses a considerable threat to animals, birds, and wildlife as it affects the nervous system. “Earlier, in the Terai region close to Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, an investigation into the poisoning of two tigers had revealed the use of Carbofuran. Unlike other chemicals with a strong pungent odour, Carbofuran is odourless, making it difficult for wildlife to spot it,” explained an official at the forest department.Investigation has revealed that a high dosage of Carbofuran was sprinkled on the rear flank of the cattle carcass with high fat content, making it a more likely target for feline consumption.One of the ears of the cattle was found severed, officials said. “Usually, the animal and husbandry department attaches a tag or punches one of the ears as an identification mark,” officials added.Key Recommendations:– Issue permits only to local villagers to graze livestock– Fill up all vacant posts in the forest department on a priority basis– Strengthen wildlife beat patrolling– Provide vehicles, gadgets, and weapons for frontline staffers– Relocate settlements from core areas of forests, in coordination with other relevant departments– Conduct monthly outreach activities with village communities