India, July 23 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Karnataka government over the alleged poisoning deaths of five tigers in the state, while flagging the severe understaffing of forest ground personnel in several wildlife sanctuaries. It directed the centre to find a permanent solution to the man-animal conflict.

The court pointed out that in the Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills Wildlife Sanctuary-where a tigress and four cubs were found dead last month-80% of the posts for foresters and forest watchers were vacant.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai said, "A permanent solution has to be found by taking all states on board. There is such a huge vacancy," while issuing notice to the minist...