Madhya Pradesh Records 55 Tiger Deaths, Highest Since Project Tiger's Inception
Madhya Pradesh reports 55 tiger deaths, highest since Project Tiger began 50 years ago.
Photo by Casey Lovegrove
Madhya Pradesh, known as India's 'Tiger State', has recorded an alarming 55 tiger deaths this year, the highest since Project Tiger was launched in 1973. This figure surpasses the previous high of 49 deaths in 2021. The state currently houses 785 tigers, the largest population in India.
The deaths are attributed to various factors including natural causes, territorial fights, poaching, and road accidents. This concerning trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts, stricter anti-poaching measures, and better management of tiger habitats to protect India's national animal and maintain ecological balance.
Key Facts
Madhya Pradesh recorded 55 tiger deaths in the current year
This is the highest since Project Tiger launched in 1973
Previous high was 49 deaths in 2021
Madhya Pradesh has 785 tigers, the largest population in India
Causes include natural deaths, territorial fights, poaching, road accidents
UPSC Exam Angles
Effectiveness and challenges of Project Tiger and other conservation initiatives.
Role of statutory bodies like NTCA and legal frameworks such as the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Impact of human-wildlife conflict and infrastructure development on biodiversity.
Geographical distribution of tiger reserves and their ecological significance.
Socio-economic dimensions of conservation, including community participation and anti-poaching measures.
Visual Insights
Major Tiger States in India (2025)
This map highlights Madhya Pradesh as the 'Tiger State' with the largest population, alongside other significant tiger-bearing states. It provides a geographical context to the news of high tiger mortality in MP.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding tiger conservation in India: 1. Madhya Pradesh currently holds the largest tiger population among all Indian states. 2. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with the primary objective of ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats. 3. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: As per the news and the latest tiger census, Madhya Pradesh has the largest tiger population (785). Statement 2 is correct: Project Tiger was indeed launched in 1973 with the stated objective. Statement 3 is incorrect: The NTCA is a statutory body constituted under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. In the context of tiger conservation efforts in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. M-STrIPES is a software-based monitoring system used in tiger reserves to facilitate patrolling and assess ecological status. 2. The 'TX2' goal aims to double the global wild tiger population by the year 2022, a target set by tiger range countries. 3. Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs) are identified and notified under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, to protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a crucial tool for real-time monitoring. Statement 2 is correct: The TX2 goal was indeed set by tiger range countries in 2010 to double the wild tiger population by 2022. Statement 3 is incorrect: Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs) are identified and notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, not the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The FRA, 2006, deals with the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
3. Which of the following factors are considered significant threats to tiger populations in India? 1. Habitat fragmentation due to linear infrastructure projects. 2. Poaching for illegal wildlife trade. 3. Human-wildlife conflict leading to retaliatory killings. 4. Spread of invasive alien species in tiger habitats. 5. Territorial fights among tigers due to increasing population density. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3, 4 and 5 only
- C.1, 2, 3 and 5 only
- D.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the listed factors are significant threats to tiger populations. 1. Habitat fragmentation by roads, railways, and canals isolates populations and restricts movement. 2. Poaching remains a major threat, driven by demand for tiger parts in illegal wildlife trade. 3. Human-wildlife conflict, often due to habitat encroachment, leads to retaliatory killings. 4. Invasive alien species can alter habitat, reduce prey base, and introduce diseases. 5. Territorial fights, especially in areas with high tiger density and limited space, are a natural but increasingly problematic cause of mortality, as highlighted by the news.
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