A disturbing video that has gone viral on social media has sparked widespread outrage among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists across Karnataka. The footage shows several men boldly approaching and filming two vulnerable tiger cubs in the Biligiri Rangana Hills (BRT) Tiger Reserve while their mother was absent from the den.
Unauthorized Entry into Protected Territory
According to forest officials, the incident occurred in the core area of the BRT Tiger Reserve, where public access is strictly prohibited. The individuals captured in the video appear to have entered the sensitive wildlife zone illegally, putting both themselves and the endangered animals at significant risk.
"This is a clear violation of wildlife protection laws," stated a senior forest department official. "The BRT reserve is a protected area, and such intrusions can have severe consequences for both the animals and the perpetrators."
Conservation Experts Express Alarm
Wildlife conservationists have expressed deep concern about the incident, emphasizing the potential danger to the cubs and the ethical violations involved.
- The stress caused by human interference could lead the tigress to abandon her cubs
- Human scent around the den might attract predators to the vulnerable cubs
- Such behavior sets a dangerous precedent for wildlife tourism ethics
- The incident highlights growing challenges in protecting sensitive wildlife habitats
Forest Department Takes Swift Action
In response to the viral video, the Karnataka Forest Department has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify the individuals involved. Multiple teams have been deployed to gather evidence and track down the perpetrators who could face serious legal consequences under the Wildlife Protection Act.
"We are treating this as a priority case," confirmed a forest department spokesperson. "Our initial assessment suggests the video is recent, and we are pursuing all available leads to identify those responsible for this irresponsible act."
Growing Concern Over Wildlife Disturbance
This incident highlights an increasing trend of wildlife disturbance by visitors seeking close encounters with endangered species. Conservationists warn that such behavior not only threatens animal welfare but also compromises long-term conservation efforts in India's critical tiger habitats.
The BRT Tiger Reserve, spanning across Chamarajanagar district, is home to a significant population of Bengal tigers and plays a crucial role in Karnataka's wildlife conservation strategy. Authorities have reinforced their commitment to strengthening protection measures and increasing surveillance in vulnerable areas of the reserve.
