In an alarming development, India witnessed a significant rise in tiger deaths in 2023. The year recorded a disturbing spike of 204 tiger fatalities, as per the data reported by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), a notable non-profit organisation focused on conservation efforts. This distressing trend raises critical concerns about the state and future of wildlife conservation in India.
State-Wise Breakdown of Tiger Deaths
The surge in tiger deaths was noticeable across multiple states. Maharashtra emerged as the state with the highest number of tiger deaths, recording 52 fatalities. This alarming tally prompts questions regarding the extent and effectiveness of conservation measures in place within the state. Madhya Pradesh, the state boasting India’s highest tiger population, wasn’t far behind with 45 recorded deaths, again stressing the need for stronger protection measures. Uttarakhand followed with 26 deaths, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala each documented 15 tiger fatalities. Karnataka, another state with a high tiger populace, reported 13 deaths.
Threats to Tiger Population
Despite the overall tiger population in India showing an increase from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 in 2022, the exponential rise in deaths paints a bleak picture. A variety of threats contribute to these fatalities. Natural causes led to 79 tiger deaths, underscoring the necessity to understand and address these factors for successful conservation. Poaching, a perennial threat to wildlife, claimed the lives of 55 tigers. Infighting among tigers resulted in 46 deaths, highlighting the importance of maintaining their habitats. Human-induced threats such as road incidents, accounted for seven fatalities, urging immediate efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
Anti-Poaching Efforts and Conservation Strategies
Collaboration between government agencies, conservationists, and local communities is vital to implement effective anti-poaching efforts. The use of technology, intelligence gathering, and establishing a responsible anti-poaching network in conjunction with law enforcement are crucial steps towards this end. Developing strategies to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas prone to roadkill incidents, should be a priority. Likewise, resources should be allocated for researching the natural causes leading to tiger deaths. As challenges evolve, it is essential to adapt conservation strategies by enhancing monitoring and ensuring transparent reporting.
Relevant Tiger Conservation Questions from Civil Services Examinations
In 2020, one UPSC Civil Services examination question asked: ‘Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?’ The options were Corbett, Ranthambore, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, and Sundarbans. The correct answer was Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam.
In 2012, another question asked about the protected areas declared as Tiger Reserves. The options included Bandipur, Bhitarkanika, Manas, and Sunderbans. Only Bandipur, Manas, and Sunderbans were correct.
Lastly, in 2017, candidates were asked to identify from an ecological perspective, the most important link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. The options were Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Nallamala Forest, Nagarhole National Park, and Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. The correct response was Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
