India is facing a significant conservation challenge as the country has recorded an alarming 117 tiger deaths by August this year, a figure that is rapidly approaching the 126 deaths reported in the entire year of 2024. Data from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reveals a particularly concerning trend: 40 of these deaths are attributed to unnatural causes, including poaching, poisoning, and accidents.
Madhya Pradesh, a state with the highest tiger population, has emerged as the most affected region, with 36 tiger deaths so far in 2025. Twelve of these deaths are from unnatural causes. The gravity of the situation is highlighted by a recent incident in the state where two wildlife officials are on the run after allegedly attempting to secretly burn the carcass of a tiger in the Balaghat district. The Forest Department has announced a reward of ₹5,000 for information on their whereabouts.
Wildlife activists, including Ajay Dubey, have voiced their concerns, pointing to a recent poaching case in the Satpura Tiger Reserve where a tiger’s paws were cut off. Dubey also noted a disturbing pattern, with a previous poaching incident and a guard’s body found near the same location. He also criticized the NTCA for not having a permanent member secretary, which he believes is hindering effective conservation efforts.
The issue of poaching is not isolated to Madhya Pradesh. In Karnataka, a total of 75 tigers reportedly died between April 2020 and August 2025, with 13 due to unnatural causes. This year alone, five tigers were poisoned to death, and two died from snare trap injuries. Across the country, more than 50 confirmed cases of tiger poaching have been reported in the last five years.
An NTCA official provided a broader perspective, stating that from 2012 to 2024, 71% of tiger mortality cases were concluded, with the remaining 29% still under scrutiny. The official further noted that 50% of the 1,386 tiger mortality events recorded during this period occurred inside tiger reserves, while 42% took place outside, underscoring the pervasive threat to the big cats.