India Records Sharp Rise in Tiger Deaths in 2025

India, which hosts the largest tiger population in the world, witnessed a worrying rise in tiger deaths in 2025. Official data shows that 166 tigers died during the year, highlighting challenges linked to habitat pressure, territorial conflicts and conservation management despite overall growth in tiger numbers.

Why in the News?

India recorded 166 tiger deaths in 2025, forty more than in 2024, as per data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of deaths, raising concerns about space crunch and territorial conflicts among the growing tiger population.

Tiger Mortality Data for 2025

• According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, a total of 166 tigers died across India in 2025.
• This included 31 cubs.
• The number marks a significant increase from 126 deaths in 2024, indicating rising stress on tiger habitats despite conservation success in population growth.

States Reporting Highest Tiger Deaths

• Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “Tiger State,” recorded the highest number of deaths at 55.
• Other major contributors were Maharashtra (38 deaths), Kerala (13), and Assam (12).
• States with higher tiger populations tend to record more deaths due to increased competition and monitoring efficiency.

Main Cause: Territorial Infighting

• Wildlife experts attribute most deaths to territorial infighting caused by habitat saturation.
• As tiger numbers rise, available forest space and corridors remain limited.
• Young and dispersing tigers often clash with resident adults while searching for territory, leading to fatal encounters, especially in densely populated reserves.

Tiger Population Growth and Space Crunch

• India’s tiger population rose from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual growth of around 6%.
• Madhya Pradesh alone saw its tiger numbers rise from 308 in 2014 to 785 in 2022.
• This rapid growth has intensified competition for territory in limited forest landscapes.

Natural Deaths and Poaching Cases

• In Madhya Pradesh, more than 38 of the 55 deaths in 2025 were attributed to natural causes, mostly involving cubs and young tigers.
• About 10 cases were linked to poaching, including electrocution and non-targeted killings.
• All tiger deaths are treated as poaching unless proven otherwise.

Role of NTCA and State Enforcement

• The NTCA prescribes strict Standard Operating Procedures for tiger death investigations.
• Madhya Pradesh has also deployed a State Tiger Strike Force to combat wildlife crime.
• Cases linked to organised poaching networks are actively prosecuted, including those with international links.

Static Background: Tiger Conservation in India

• India is home to nearly 75% of the world’s tigers.
• The all-India tiger census is conducted every four years to track population trends.
• While conservation efforts have boosted numbers, habitat fragmentation and human-dominated landscapes continue to limit natural corridors for tiger movement.

NTCA

• Statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It was established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WPA 1972).

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. Which state recorded the highest number of tiger deaths in India in 2025?

A. Maharashtra
B. Assam
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Kerala