Karnataka, one of the few states where Project Tiger is being implemented for the conservation of the big cat, has recorded 19 tiger deaths from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
In the previous year, only nine tigers had died in six tiger reserves spread across the state. Although, most deaths were natural, a few died of poaching and poisoning, which has become a cause for concern for the Forest Department.
Recently two tigers were poisoned and the post mortem revealed that they had eaten animal meat laced with poison. The department is investigating the cases.
According to recent statistics, there are over 1,600 tigers in the country and 300 of them are in the state.
To increase the tiger population, the Centre has banned human activities in core zones and also imposed restrictions in buffer zones as well. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Ajay Mishra told Express that the Forest Department personnel had videographed every dead tiger.
