India Records Sharp Rise in Tiger Deaths in 2025

Why the issue matters

India Records Sharp Rise in Tiger Deaths in 2025: India witnessed a sharp rise in tiger mortality in 2025, raising concerns about the sustainability of conservation gains. Official data shows 166 tiger deaths, which is 40 more than in 2024, despite steady growth in the overall population.

This trend highlights a structural challenge where population success is colliding with limited habitat space. The issue is no longer about saving tigers from extinction but managing them within shrinking forest landscapes.

Tiger mortality figures in 2025

Data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority confirms that 166 tigers died across India in 2025.
Among these, 31 were cubs, indicating higher vulnerability in early life stages.

The jump from 126 deaths in 2024 signals increased ecological stress. Monitoring has improved, but rising numbers also intensify competition within reserves.

States reporting highest tiger deaths

Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tiger deaths at 55, reaffirming its status as both the largest tiger habitat and the most stressed.
Other affected states include Maharashtra (38), Kerala (13), and Assam (12).

Higher tiger density often correlates with higher recorded mortality due to intense territorial overlap and better surveillance mechanisms.

Static GK fact: Madhya Pradesh is officially known as India’s “Tiger State” due to hosting the highest number of tiger reserves.

Territorial infighting as the primary cause

Experts identify territorial infighting as the leading cause of death. As reserves approach carrying capacity, young dispersing tigers clash with established adults while seeking territory.

Fragmented corridors and human-dominated buffers restrict natural movement. This results in fatal encounters, especially in saturated core areas of reserves.

Population growth and space crunch

India’s tiger population rose from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of nearly 6%.
In Madhya Pradesh, numbers increased sharply from 308 in 2014 to 785 in 2022.

While this reflects conservation success, habitat expansion has not kept pace, intensifying competition for space.

Static GK Tip: Tiger territories can range from 20–100 square kilometres, depending on prey availability and habitat quality.

Natural deaths and poaching concerns

In Madhya Pradesh, over 38 deaths were classified as natural, mostly involving cubs and sub-adults.
However, around 10 cases were linked to poaching, including electrocution and accidental killings.

By protocol, every tiger death is treated as poaching until proven otherwise, ensuring strict investigation.

Enforcement and institutional response

The NTCA operates under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and prescribes Standard Operating Procedures for every tiger death.
State-level measures like the Tiger Strike Force focus on dismantling organised wildlife crime networks.

Static GK fact: The NTCA was established in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

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India Records Sharp Rise in Tiger Deaths in 2025: