Chhattisgarh Wildlife Crisis: 38 Elephants, 9 Tigers Perish in Over Two Years
In a sobering revelation to the state assembly, Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap disclosed that the state has witnessed the deaths of 38 elephants and nine tigers since late 2023. The data, covering the period from December 2023 through January 2026, also includes 562 other wild animals that succumbed to unnatural causes during this timeframe.
Assembly Question Reveals Alarming Statistics
The detailed figures emerged in response to a written query posed by Congress MLA Sheshraj Harbansh during the ongoing budget session. The legislator had specifically requested comprehensive information regarding tiger, elephant, and other wildlife fatalities, including their precise causes and locations across the state.
Minister Kashyap provided a thorough breakdown, confirming that these deaths were officially recorded between December 2023 and January 2026, painting a concerning picture of wildlife conservation challenges in Chhattisgarh.
Elephant Deaths: Electrocution and Drowning Major Causes
The elephant mortality data reveals particularly distressing patterns. Of the 38 elephant deaths documented, electrocution emerged as the leading cause, responsible for 14 fatalities. Drowning claimed another 10 lives of these majestic creatures.
The geographical spread of elephant deaths was extensive, affecting multiple forest divisions including Raigarh, Dharamjaigarh, Balrampur, Surajpur, Korba, Katghora, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, and the Sarguja Elephant Reserve.
Assembly records provide a year-by-year breakdown of this tragedy:
- 2023: 2 elephant deaths reported
- 2024: The toll escalated to 18 fatalities
- 2025: Another 16 elephants perished
- 2026 (January only): 2 deaths already recorded
Tiger Fatalities: Poaching and Natural Conflicts
Regarding the nine tiger deaths during this period, Minister Kashyap explained that two were electrocuted by poachers utilizing illegal power fencing. Another two tigers died as a result of infighting within their territories.
The data included a notable case involving an eight-year-old tiger from Raipur's Nandan Van Zoo and Safari, which passed away at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on October 10 last year. The cause of death was determined to be multiple organ failure.
Tiger fatalities were reported from several protected areas including Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Koriya, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Nandan Van Jungle Safari, Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, and Surajpur.
Widespread Impact on Other Wildlife Species
Beyond elephants and tigers, the state recorded 562 unnatural deaths among other wild animals. This tragic list includes leopards, bears, blue bulls, and cheetal (spotted deer).
Remarkably, 145 of these deaths occurred at Nandan Van Zoo and Safari alone, with the facility reporting:
- 5 deaths in December 2023
- 61 fatalities in 2024
- 76 animals perished in 2025
- 3 deaths in January 2026
The minister identified multiple causes behind these wildlife deaths, including infighting, asphyxia, heat stroke, pneumonia, and various infections. He emphasized that the forest department maintains regular monitoring protocols and is implementing ongoing measures for wildlife protection throughout Chhattisgarh.
