Bengaluru, Aug. 18 -- Karnataka's famed tiger reserves, once hailed for its big cat conservation, have recorded a sobering statistic: 75 tigers have died between April 2020 and August 2025. While a majority of these deaths were natural, the remaining deaths painted a darker picture - one marred by poisoning, poaching and human-induced threats.

At the heart of this tragic toll are two of Karnataka's best-known reserves - Nagarahole (26 deaths) and Bandipur (22) - which together account for nearly two-thirds of all tiger deaths reported in the state during this five-year window, The Times of India reported. Other protected areas like Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve and Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills have seen eight and five de...