Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s Tiger Count
- 06 Mar 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Maharashtra Forest Minister stated that the State’s tiger population had risen to 444 in 2025 from 101 in 2000. He attributed the rise in man-animal conflicts, including fatal attacks on humans, to the increasing tiger population.
Key Points
- Proposal for Animal Museum in Maharashtra:
- The Forest Minister stated that he had written to businessman Anant Ambani, founder of the non-profit Vantara, to establish an “animal museum” in Maharashtra.
- He also mentioned plans to approve the creation of a museum modeled after similar initiatives in Gujarat, where businesspersons could contribute to setting up such a facility.
- Human-Animal Conflict:
- The Minister highlighted the increasing incidents of tiger attacks on humans.
- The concerns about the safety of farmers living near forested areas, including those close to the wildlife sanctuary in Bhandara was raised.
- It was pointed out that tiger attacks have created fear among farmers and also led to crop destruction.
- Government’s Response to the Crisis:
- The Forest Minister clarified that the tigress’s two-year-old cub had attacked humans and assured that it would soon be captured.
- He announced that the government had approved Rs 200 crore for solar fencing in villages near tiger zones.
- He also assured that the Forest Department was implementing necessary measures to prevent further incidents.
- The government had introduced a policy change, ensuring that farmers would pay only a nominal sum for solar fencing.
- Instructed authorities to fence villages near forests at no charge to enhance protection.
