Recent data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) brings to light the critical factors impacting the tiger population in India. Poaching and electrocution have been identified as primary causes behind many tiger deaths reported across the country.
Tiger Vulnerability Outside Core Habitats
Notably, around 40% of the estimated 2,226 tiger population of India, as per the 2014 census, lives outside the core habitat areas. These tigers are highly susceptible to dangers like poaching and human-animal conflict. The information reveals an alarming rise in tiger vulnerability with a higher number of deaths reported in 2016 compared to previous years.
The data also show that Madhya Pradesh topped the list of states with the highest number of tiger deaths (148), followed by Maharashtra (107), Karnataka (100), and Uttarakhand (82). Although cases of illegal wildlife trade (poaching) were fewer, death from electrocution, primarily due to fences, became a major concern from 2016 onwards.
Natural Deaths and Unnatural Accidents
Another worrisome trend is the relatively high number of tigers dying from natural causes (45% of total deaths) or meeting fatal road or rail accidents (36 deaths). This accentuates the urgent need for better infrastructure planning, particularly around sanctuaries, national parks, and biospheres.
| State | Tiger Deaths |
|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 148 |
| Maharashtra | 107 |
| Karnataka | 100 |
| Uttarakhand | 82 |
Tiger Census: A Vital Exercise
Every four years, the NTCA conducts a comprehensive tiger census across India. Initiated in 2006, followed by censuses in 2010 and 2014, this crucial exercise provides essential data for conservation efforts. The 2014 census reported 2,226 tigers, showing an increase from 1,706 in 2010.
The Fourth Tiger Census: Moving With Technology
Marking a significant evolution, the 2018 Tiger Census incorporated technology, utilizing a mobile application “MSTrIPES” for storing counting information. This census also expanded its scope to include Northeast India, overlooked in the prior census. For the first time, neighboring countries Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh assisted in the count, especially in regions sharing borders.
NTCA and Project Tiger: Aiding Tiger Conservation
Project Tiger, launched in 1973 with 9 reserves, aimed to conserve India’s national animal. Today, Project Tiger covers 50 reserves spread across 18 states. These reserves follow a buffer/core strategy comprising a mix of forest and non-forest land.
Established in 2005, the NTCA supervises and coordinates all activities related to tiger conservation. It was given statutory status under the 2006 amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Buffer Area: A Necessary Extension
Defined as the area outside the core or critical tiger habitat, the Buffer Area provides supplementary habitat for dispersing tigers, supporting the co-existence of human activity.
Ex-situ and In-situ Conservation Methods
Ex-situ conservation involves the maintenance of living organisms outside their natural habitat, while in-situ conservation is centered on the preservation of species within their natural habitats. Both methods are critical in the overarching goal of wildlife conservation.