Maharashtra reports highest tiger deaths in India; government implements protection measures
Maharashtra recorded 41 of the 166 tiger deaths in India last year, the highest in the country, as informed by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik in the Legislative Council. Concerns were raised following recent tiger deaths in Pench Tiger Reserve. The State government is implementing various measures to curb poaching and protect wildlife, including a Special Tiger Protection Force, dog squads, camera surveillance, and the M-Stripes app. There's also a controversial proposal to change leopards' protection category, which environmentalists oppose, advocating for forest protection and preventing encroachment.
Key Points
- Maharashtra accounted for the highest number of tiger deaths in India last year, with 41 out of 166 reported.
- The State government is deploying advanced measures like a Special Tiger Protection Force, dog squads, and technology for surveillance to combat poaching.
- Human-wildlife conflict is intensifying due to changes in animal behavior and habitat patterns, leading to animals entering agricultural fields.
- A proposal to downgrade leopards' protection status from Schedule I to Schedule II is facing strong opposition from environmentalists.
- Activists urge the government to prioritize forest conservation and prevent encroachment to mitigate human-animal conflict.
Exam Facts
- Maharashtra reported 41 tiger deaths out of 166 nationally in 2025.
- Data is from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- The Pench Tiger Reserve in Nagpur district reported recent tiger deaths.
- The M-Stripes app is used for monitoring poaching activities.
- The proposal is to change leopards' protection category from Schedule I to Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act.
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