Maharashtra Records 41 Tiger Deaths in 2025, Minister Details Conservation Efforts
Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik informed the Legislative Council on Wednesday that the state recorded 41 tiger deaths in 2025. This data comes alongside national figures from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which reported 166 tiger deaths across India during the same year.
Specific Incidents in Pench Tiger Reserve Area
Responding to queries from MLCs Satyajit Tambe, Parinay Fuke, and others, Minister Naik provided detailed accounts from the Pench Tiger Reserve in Nagpur district. The area witnessed one adult tiger and two cub deaths:
- On December 2, 2025, an intact tiger carcass was discovered at compartment 329 in the Saleghaat wildlife zone. Preliminary investigations suggest natural causes.
- On January 7, 2026, a tiger cub was found dead at compartment 500 in the Deolapar zone, Khursapar. The prima facie cause was identified as a fight.
- Also on January 7, 2026, a decomposed carcass of another cub was located at compartment 509 in the same zone, with initial findings pointing to natural death.
Enhanced Anti-Poaching and Protection Measures
Minister Naik outlined the state's robust conservation strategies to safeguard tiger populations:
- The Special Tiger Protection Force conducts regular patrolling in sensitive zones.
- A dog squad is deployed to monitor and detect poaching activities.
- Field staff have been equipped with M-Stripes app-enabled mobile devices for real-time tracking of suspicious movements.
- Camera traps are strategically installed at movement corridors, water sources, and other key locations to monitor wildlife activity.
Strengthening Wildlife Crime and Rescue Infrastructure
Further initiatives to combat wildlife crime and enhance rescue capabilities are underway:
- A Wildlife Crime Cell has been established and is being strengthened at the principal chief conservator of forests office in Nagpur.
- A cyber cell at the Melghat Tiger Reserve assists in tracking individuals accused of poaching.
- Proposals for creating posts for a Rapid Rescue Unit, Transit Treatment Centre, and elephant tracking squad are currently under government consideration.
These measures reflect Maharashtra's ongoing commitment to tiger conservation amidst challenges, aiming to balance protection with effective response to incidents.
