Karnataka’s forests have been gripped by a disturbing trend of unnatural wildlife deaths. In recent months, alarming numbers of peacocks, tigers, and macaques have been found dead across the state. These incidents have raised serious concerns about potential wildlife poisoning, possibly linked to the misuse of agricultural pesticides.
In early August, a grim discovery was made in Hanumanthapura, Tumakuru district, where villagers found 20 peacocks dead. This incident followed closely on the heels of another tragedy in July. Over 20 bonnet macaques were found dead, poisoned and discarded in sacks along a road near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district. The most devastating event occurred on June 26, when a tigress and her four cubs were discovered lifeless in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, also in Chamarajanagar.
Forensic analysis has provided a clear explanation for the deaths of the tigress and her cubs. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report confirmed they had consumed cattle flesh laced with dangerously high levels of the toxic insecticides phorate and carbofuran. While the FSL report for the macaques is still pending, preliminary investigations by the forest department suggest pesticide poisoning was the cause. The forest department is awaiting the FSL report for the peacocks to confirm the specific pesticides used, but they have not ruled out poisoning as a factor.
“Laced with pesticides, the seeds were sown only that morning. Expecting rain, the farmers did not irrigate. But the skies stayed dry, and the peacocks that fed on them died,” explained Prabhash Chandra Ray, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka. He added that while peacocks are sometimes killed for their feathers, especially during Krishna Janmashtami, the peacocks found dead still had their feathers intact, suggesting accidental poisoning.
The peacock, India’s national bird, is a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Penalties for harming them include up to seven years in prison. However, legal protection does not always deter harm.
Significantly, phorate, a highly dangerous organophosphate insecticide, was among the 17 pesticides banned for sale, import, and manufacture in India in 2018. Despite this ban, an investigation in villages bordering the Chamarajanagar district revealed that the sale and use of phorate continue without any restrictions.
Farmers in these areas rely heavily on such pesticides to protect their crops. A farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that he uses phorate mixed with urea and cow dung to deter pests from his vegetable and sunflower fields. His farm is just three kilometres from the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and wildlife often damages his crops. While he hasn’t experienced any wildlife fatalities on his farm, a neighbour’s farm saw hares and deer die a few months ago.
Another farmer, Surendran, who cultivates corn and onions, admitted to using phorate for the past five years to control pests like nematodes and thrips. He was unaware that the pesticide was prohibited, as fertiliser shops in his town continue to recommend it.
An employee at a local fertiliser shop confirmed that phorate is banned and suggested Chlorpyrifos as a replacement. “These pesticides need to be banned completely given their usage on unsuspecting wildlife and for their extreme toxicity. An intermediary solution can be to ban over-the-counter sales, and complete sale restrictions in villages or towns surrounding wildlife sanctuaries,” stated public policy expert Reddy.
Human-wildlife conflict appears to be a key factor in the incidents in Chamarajanagar district. The Karnataka forest department is actively conducting awareness programmes for farmers on managing this conflict. They have also expedited compensation for livestock lost to wildlife attacks. Compensation for a cow killed by wildlife now ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, with payments often made within three months.
Sunita Dhairyam, founder of The Mariamma Charitable Trust, which supports wildlife conservation, provides immediate financial assistance to farmers whose livestock are killed by wildlife. She believes this helps reduce the financial burden and anger that often fuels human-wildlife conflict.
Chamarajanagar district, an arid region, depends heavily on seasonal rainfall. Farmers continue to cultivate crops even when profits are minimal. Experts suggest that the horticulture and agriculture departments must ensure that prohibited pesticides are not sold or used in areas near wildlife sanctuaries. The Joint Director of the Agriculture Department has instructed all offices to document the purchase of phorate and carbofuran, recording details of every buyer and the quantity procured.