Maharashtra

• 06 Mar 2025

Maharashtra’s Tiger Count

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.