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Belagavi (Karnataka), Nov 17 (PTI) Three more blackbucks died at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo here, taking the total deaths to 31 in the past four days, sources in the zoo said on Monday.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said the blackbucks died due to a bacterial infection and ordered a high-level probe.

The zoo’s blackbuck population has plummeted from 38 to just seven.

According to sources, eight antelopes had died on Thursday, followed by 20 more deaths on Saturday.

On Sunday and Monday, three more blackbucks died at the facility.

Minister Eshwar Khandre, on Monday, reached Belagavi and held a meeting with the zoo officials.

Later speaking to reporters, Khandre expressed “deep pain" over the loss.

“Prima facie, it is found that these blackbucks

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