Karnataka blackbuck deaths rise to 29; initial probe suggests bacterial infection

Belagavi (Karnataka): The death toll of blackbucks at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi district rose to 29 on Sunday after another endangered animal died. The preliminary post-mortem report indicated an outbreak of a bacterial disease in the zoo, said officials.

Previously, the death of 28 blackbucks in Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in a span of three days raised concerns in Karnataka, and the authorities were awaiting the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and post-mortem reports to know the reason.

The mass death of blackbucks -- an endangered species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act -- has sparked outrage among wildlife conservationists and animal lovers.

Authorities confirmed that the post-mortem has revealed that the blackbucks have died because of Hemorr