The Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently announced a decrease in tiger mortality for the first time in three years. In 2019, the number of tiger deaths was significantly less than previous years, marking a hopeful trend for this endangered species. This reduction in mortality rates coincides with an increase in the country’s overall tiger population.
Tiger Mortality: A Decrease After Three Years
According to official reports from the MoEFCC, there were fewer tiger deaths in 2019 than in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The number of mortalities recorded in 2019 was 95, compared to 100 in 2018, 115 in 2017, and 122 in 2016. Simultaneously, the 2019 tiger census reported a rise in tiger numbers, indicating a positive shift in the conservation efforts nationwide.
Key Details and Figures for 2019
The data for 2019 reveals that 84 tigers died naturally, and 11 cases of seizures (where a tiger is presumed dead due to seized body parts) occurred. The state with the highest number of tigers, Madhya Pradesh, also reported the most tiger deaths with a total of 31. Other states with significant death counts include Maharashtra with 18 deaths, Karnataka with 12, and Uttarakhand with 10. Gujarat, a state without a natural tiger population, reported a death when a wandering tiger died within its borders.
| State | Number of Tiger Deaths |
|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 31 |
| Maharashtra | 18 |
| Karnataka | 12 |
| Uttarakhand | 10 |
| Gujarat | 1 |
Reasons for Tiger Mortality
Tiger deaths in India are primarily due to poaching, followed by natural causes. In 2019, authorities confirmed 22 cases of tiger poaching. Tigers are most susceptible to harm when they roam outside reserves, where there is limited surveillance. Approximately 70% of all reported poaching cases happened in these areas.
The Role of Technology in Tiger Conservation
Advancements in technology have played a crucial role in reducing tiger mortality rates. Surveillance technology, improved management of tiger habitats, and intensive education and awareness programs on tiger conservation have significantly contributed to this positive trend. One notable tool that facilitates monitoring is M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection & Ecological Status), an app used across all tiger reserves. This technological intervention ensures constant tracking and timely intervention, thereby contributing to the overall decline in tiger mortality.