Bhopal, Jan 1: India, which hosts nearly three-fourths of the world’s tigers, lost 166 of these big cats in 2025 — 40 more than in the previous year — according to data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the country’s “tiger state,” accounted for the highest number of deaths at 55.
Other states with notable casualties included Maharashtra (38), Kerala (13), and Assam (12). Of the total 166 tiger deaths, 31 were cubs, NTCA data showed.
Wildlife experts attributed most deaths to territorial fights among tigers as populations expand and space becomes scarce. “The tiger population has reached a saturation point, leading to conflicts over territory,” said wildlife expert Jairam Shukla, noting that Madhya Pradesh’s tiger count has surged by nearly 60% since 2014.
The country recorded 126 tiger deaths in 2024, compared to 166 last year. The first death in 2025 occurred on January 2 in Maharashtra’s Bramhapuri forest division, followed by another in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, three days later. The most recent incident was reported from North Sagar, MP, on December 28.
According to official estimates released on International Tiger Day 2023, India’s tiger population increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, recording an annual rise of about six per cent.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subharanjan Sen said the state’s large tiger population makes a higher death count inevitable. “Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers in the world. We investigate every death thoroughly, treating each as a case of poaching unless proved otherwise,” he said.
The state’s State Tiger Strike Force (STSF), Sen added, has been instrumental in tackling organised wildlife crime, including cases with Interpol alerts linked to tiger poaching.
Madhya Pradesh’s tiger count has climbed from 308 in 2014 to 526 in 2018 and 785 in 2022. The ongoing national tiger census is expected to show a further increase.
According to official data:
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Tiger deaths in MP stood at 44 in 2023, 47 in 2024, and 55 in 2025.
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Over 38 deaths were due to natural causes, while 10 cases were linked to poaching.
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Of these, seven were “non-target” killings — accidental electrocutions or traps set for other animals.
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Seven tigers also died due to electrocution.
Officials note that young tigers and cubs are particularly vulnerable during dispersal as they compete with dominant adults for territory. “Nineteen of the 38 natural deaths were among tigers aged between one and two years,” Sen said.
He added that increasing intraspecific competition, coupled with shrinking forests and obstructed corridors in human-dominated landscapes, has heightened risks for the species.
So far, 21 arrests have been made in connection with 10 poaching cases registered across the state, with legal proceedings underway.
