India recorded 166 tiger deaths in 2025, according to data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The figure marks a sharp increase from 126 deaths in 2024, raising concerns over habitat stress, territorial conflict, and emerging conservation challenges, even as India continues to host the world’s largest tiger population.
India Records 166 Tiger Deaths in 2025: NTCA Data Raises Concern
State-Wise Tiger Mortality Pattern
State-wise data reveals significant regional variation in tiger deaths:
- Madhya Pradesh – 55 deaths
- Maharashtra – 38 deaths
- Kerala – 13 deaths
- Assam – 12 deaths
Out of the total mortalities, 31 were tiger cubs, indicating higher vulnerability among younger animals.
Territorial Pressure and Habitat Constraints
Wildlife experts attribute many deaths to territorial conflicts caused by space constraints in protected areas. Rapid population growth has intensified competition, especially in core forest zones.
Madhya Pradesh, which has witnessed a sharp rise in tiger numbers over the past decade, faces increasing pressure on available habitats, leading to frequent inter-tiger confrontations.
Causes of Death: Natural, Poaching and Electrocution
Most tiger deaths in Madhya Pradesh were due to natural causes, mainly injuries sustained in fights with other tigers. However:
- Some cases were linked to poaching
- Seven deaths nationwide were caused by electrocution
Forest officials note that sub-adult tigers, especially young males dispersing after around 20 months, face the highest risk while searching for new territories.
Conservation Success and Emerging Challenges
India remains a global leader in tiger conservation. The All-India Tiger Estimation 2023 reported an increase from 2,967 tigers in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of about 6%.
However, experts stress that rising numbers must be matched with:
- Expanded habitats
- Secure wildlife corridors
- Reduced human-wildlife conflict
Without these measures, tiger mortality may continue to rise.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- India recorded 166 tiger deaths in 2025
- Highest deaths reported from Madhya Pradesh
- 31 tiger cubs were among the deaths
- India hosts about 75% of the world’s tiger population
- NTCA functions under the Wildlife Protection Act
Question & Answer
Q1. How many tiger deaths were recorded in India in 2025 as per NTCA data?
(a) 126
(b) 142
(c) 158
(d) 166
Answer: 166
Q2. Which state reported the highest number of tiger deaths in 2025?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Assam
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Kerala
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
Q3. How many tiger cub deaths were reported in India in 2025?
(a) 21
(b) 25
(c) 31
(d) 38
Answer: 31
Q4. Which authority releases official data on tiger mortality in India?
(a) Wildlife Institute of India
(b) National Tiger Conservation Authority
(c) Forest Survey of India
(d) Ministry of Environment
Answer: National Tiger Conservation Authority
Q5. India’s latest tiger population estimate (2022) stands at approximately how many?
(a) 2,500
(b) 2,967
(c) 3,200
(d) 3,682
Answer: 3,682
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