State loses 25 tigers this year; territorial dispute estimated reason

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh has lost 25 tigers this year, with wildlife enthusiasts saying more steps were needed to protect them and their habitat.

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the highest number of tiger deaths have occurred in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve area. At least nine of the 25 tigers died in Bandhavgarh, which has the largest population of tigers. Authorities said most of the deaths are due to territorial fights as the area is lacking in the growing tiger numbers.

Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey said that unnatural deaths of tigers in Madhya Pradesh must be curbed. ‘For the past 14 years, Madhya Pradesh has continued to lead the country in tiger deaths. Worse still, the conviction rate of poachers is low. Moreover, accountability of forest officials in tiger deaths is not established,’ he added.

In the last tiger census, Madhya Pradesh was declared a tiger state with 785 tigers.

Discover solutions

Former Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) HS Pabla has expressed the need for a review of tiger management practices as tiger populations are increasing due to urban expansion.

Before a major threat arises, solutions must be explored so that wild animals do not become a problem, he said. “Find ways to keep stolen animals away from people,” he added.

No poaching

Prakash Kumar, assistant director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, said, “Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers. Hence, there are territorial fights between them, which sometimes turn fatal. But there is no poaching.”

Published: Monday, July 29, 2024, 06:05 AM IST