Tiger Deaths in India

• 30 Dec 2023

Source: DTE

Why in News?

In 2023, India witnessed a disturbing surge in tiger deaths, reaching a record 204, as reported by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), a non-profit organisation prompting concerns about conservation efforts for these majestic creatures.

What is the Status of Tiger Deaths in India?

• Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of tiger fatalities with 52 deaths, prompting apprehensions regarding the adequacy of conservation measures in the state.
• India's top tiger state, Madhya Pradesh, witnessed 45 deaths, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection. Uttarakhand recorded 26 deaths, adding to the grim statistics.
• Tamil Nadu and Kerala recorded 15 tiger deaths each, reflecting a widespread issue across regions. Karnataka, with the second-highest tiger population, reported 13 deaths.
• The tiger population in India reached 3,167 in 2022, up from 2,967 in 2018. This positive trend, however, raises questions about the sustainability of these gains in the face of increasing threats.
• Natural & other causes, led to 79 tiger deaths, urging a focus on understanding and addressing these factors for effective conservation.
  • Poaching remains a persistent threat, claiming 55 tigers' lives, necessitating robust anti-poaching measures.
  • Infighting among tigers resulted in 46 deaths, underscoring the significance of habitat preservation.
  • Human-induced threats, such as road incidents, caused 7 tiger fatalities, demanding urgent attention to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Way Forward

• Collaboration among government agencies, conservationists, and communities is crucial for effective anti-poaching efforts, utilizing technology and intelligence.
  • Establishing a robust anti-poaching network with law enforcement is imperative.
• Strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas with roadkill, should be developed.
• Allocate resources for research on natural causes of tiger deaths, enhance monitoring, and ensure transparent reporting to adapt conservation strategies to evolving challenges.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020)

(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
(d) Sundarbans

Ans: (c)

Q. Consider the following protected areas: (2012)

1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Q. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? (2017)

(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

Ans: (a)