An analysis by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has reported a 37% decline in tiger mortalities in India, with 115 deaths recorded so far in 2024 compared to 182 in 2023. Poaching cases have also dropped significantly, from 17 last year to just four this year.
The recorded deaths include both natural and unnatural causes. However, NTCA’s website has yet to clarify specific reasons, such as territorial conflicts, accidents, poisoning, or electrocution.
Madhya Pradesh Leads in Tiger Mortalities
Madhya Pradesh reported 46 tiger deaths in 2024, slightly up from 43 in 2023, maintaining its status as the state with the highest fatalities. In contrast, Maharashtra saw a significant improvement, with 23 deaths this year, a 50% reduction from 46 last year. Karnataka also saw a slight decrease, with 11 deaths compared to 12 in 2023.
Improved Conservation Efforts Curb Poaching
Dr Bilal Habib of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) credited the decline in poaching-related deaths to effective conservation measures. He noted that most tiger deaths now result from natural causes, indicating stabilizing populations in some regions.
He emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in habitat protection. “We need to address challenges like human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation to ensure long-term survival,” Habib added.
NTCA officials, however, flagged gaps in data reporting by states. They called for timely submissions of forensic reports and detailed causes of tiger deaths to improve monitoring.
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