In a concerning trend for India’s tiger population, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reports that 146 tigers have died in the country from January to September 28 this year. This figure marks the highest tiger mortality rate since 2012 and raises serious concerns about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures. Additionally, tiger body parts have been seized in 14 cases this year, the highest number since 2017, as reported by www.tigernet.nic.in.
Tiger Deaths by State
Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest number of tiger deaths this year, with 34 fatalities, closely followed by Maharashtra with 32. These numbers are indicative of the challenges faced by these states in preserving their tiger populations.
Impact on Reproductive Potential
Of the 146 tiger deaths, 24 were cubs, which could significantly impact the reproductive potential of the tiger population. Uttarakhand reported nearly 17 tiger deaths, followed by 11 in Assam, nine in Karnataka, and five in Rajasthan, among others. Furthermore, 70 tiger deaths occurred within various tiger reserves across the country during this period.
Historical Tiger Mortalities
Comparing the data to previous years, India reported 121 tiger mortalities in 2022, 127 in 2021, 106 in 2020, 96 in 2019, 101 in 2018, 117 in 2017, 121 in 2016, 82 in 2015, 78 in 2014, 68 in 2013, and 88 in 2012. This surge in tiger deaths in 2023 is a matter of great concern for tiger conservation efforts.
Causes of Tiger Mortalities
The NTCA categorizes the causes of tiger mortalities into natural and unnatural. Unnatural causes may include accidents, tigers eliminated in conflicts, and poaching, which is a separate and significant concern.
Poaching on the Rise
Joseph Hoover, a former member of the State Board for Wildlife in Karnataka and trustee of the United Conservation Movement, has noted an increase in poaching cases this year. He reports several instances of police apprehending individuals with tiger skins and claws, raising concerns that tigers may have been poisoned in some cases.
Efforts to Combat Poaching
Authorities have taken action against illegal trafficking of tiger hides. In recent operations, multiple individuals were apprehended for trafficking tiger skins and claws. These actions resulted in the seizure of tiger parts valued at approximately Rs 10.6 lakh.
Redirecting Conservation Funds
Sarita Subramaniam, director of Earth Brigade Foundation, has suggested that redirecting funds intended for the introduction of African Cheetah toward strengthening the capacity of the forest department could potentially help mitigate the rise in tiger mortalities.
