New Delhi, July 26 — According to recent government data, India has witnessed the death of 628 tigers over the past five years due to a range of causes, including natural factors and poaching. This statistic underscores ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict management.
Tiger Deaths Breakdown
The data provided by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reveals a steady increase in tiger deaths over the years:
2019: 96 tigers
2020: 106 tigers
2021: 127 tigers
2022: 121 tigers
2023: 178 tigers
The number of tiger deaths in 2023 marks the highest annual figure since 2012, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
The past five years have also seen significant human-wildlife conflict, with 349 people killed in tiger attacks. Maharashtra reported the highest number of fatalities with 200 deaths. The breakdown of human casualties by year is as follows:
2019: 49 deaths
2020: 49 deaths
2021: 59 deaths
2022: 110 deaths
2023: 82 deaths
Uttar Pradesh recorded 59 human deaths, while Madhya Pradesh saw 27 fatalities due to tiger attacks.
Current Tiger Population
As of 2022, the tiger population in India was estimated at 3,682, representing approximately 75 percent of the global wild tiger population. This figure reflects the success of conservation efforts but also underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining and growing tiger populations amidst threats.
Project Tiger and Conservation Efforts
India’s Project Tiger, launched on April 1, 1973, was a pioneering initiative aimed at conserving tigers and their habitats. Initially covering nine tiger reserves across 18,278 square kilometers, the program has expanded significantly. Currently, India boasts 55 tiger reserves, which collectively cover more than 78,735 square kilometers, accounting for nearly 2.4 percent of the country’s geographical area.
The expansion of Project Tiger and the increase in reserves reflect India’s commitment to tiger conservation. However, the data on tiger deaths and human casualties highlights the need for continued vigilance, improved management practices, and strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh addressed these concerns in the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging the challenges and emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address them.
