Six tigers died in a week, bringing the total for the year to 54 !!!
Six tigers died in a week, bringing the total for the year to 54! Poachers continue to wreak havoc in Madhya Pradesh.
MP Tiger Deaths: The death toll of tigers in Madhya Pradesh this year has reached 54. This is the highest number of deaths in a single year since Project Tiger began in 1973. Poachers have been caught on camera several times.
Six tiger deaths have been recorded in India’s “Tiger State,” Madhya Pradesh, within the past week. This brings the total number of tiger deaths in 2025 to 54. This is the highest number reported in a single year since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973.
According to the data, in Madhya Pradesh-
2021: 34 tigers died
2022: 43 tigers died
2023: 45 tigers died
2024: 46 tigers died
2025 (till December 13): 54 tigers died
Most deaths are due to natural causes
Forest department officials say most of the deaths were due to natural causes, which also reflects the increasing tiger population. They said, “As the number increases, the number of natural deaths will also increase. This is natural.” According to officials, this trend suggests that Madhya Pradesh may remain the country’s top tiger state in the next tiger census.
Recently, the carcass of a tiger was found in Bandhavgarh.
The latest tiger death occurred in Bandhavgarh, where the carcass of a tiger was found near the Kathli River in RF-10 of the Chandia Forest Range in Umaria district. The carcass was found under suspicious circumstances, following which the area was sealed and an investigation was launched. Field staff were engaged in routine patrolling and census work when the incident came to light.
Tiger feared dead due to electrocution
Forest department teams are working to secure evidence. Dog squads are searching for suspicious activity, and the surrounding forest areas and riverbanks are being thoroughly searched. Officials said the body was found near a power line corridor, so electrocution has not been ruled out. Nearby power infrastructure is being inspected to determine if exposed or illegal wiring may have contributed to the incident.
36 of the 54 deaths were mysterious, mostly from hunting
Of the 54 tiger deaths, 36 are mysterious. In most cases, the tigers have been poached. Sometimes, poachers cut off the tiger’s claws and steal them. The international value of a tiger in smuggling is approximately 1 to 3 crore rupees.
Poachers have been caught on tiger surveillance cameras in the forest on numerous occasions. There have also been several instances of tiger surveillance cameras being stolen. The National Disaster Response Force (NTCA) has expressed concern over the increasing number of tiger deaths and the laxity in their protection measures.
Congress accuses MP government
The Congress party has accused the government of failing to protect tigers. Congress spokesperson Abhinav Babaroliya has leveled serious allegations against the government. Minister of State for Forests Dilip Singh Aharwar said the department is investigating the matter seriously.
