The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tiger deaths in 2021. According to a report released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the state saw a total of 42 deaths in 2021.

This is a worrying trend, as Madhya Pradesh is home to the highest number of tigers in India. The state has the second-highest tiger population in India and is home to around 524 tigers. The state houses 25 percent of the country’s tiger population and is the second-largest tiger reserve in the world. The cause of most of the deaths in the state has been linked to poaching, human-animal conflict, and other unnatural causes. The majority of the deaths were reported from the Kanha Tiger Reserve in the central part of the state.

The NTCA report attributed the high number of deaths in Madhya Pradesh to poaching and other unnatural causes. The report noted that 33 of the 42 tiger deaths were due to unnatural causes, with poaching accounting for the majority of the deaths.

The other states that recorded the highest number of tiger deaths in 2021 were Maharashtra (27 tiger deaths),Rajasthan (15 tiger deaths), and Chhattisgarh (11 tiger deaths).

• The NTCA report highlights the need for stronger anti-poaching measures in India. In addition to poaching, there are several other human-induced threats to wild tigers, including deforestation and habitat loss. To protect wild tigers, it is important to ensure that their habitats are preserved and protected, and poaching is strictly monitored and punished.
• It is also essential to create awareness among local communities about the importance of conserving tigers and their habitats. Local people should be encouraged to take part in conservation activities, such as patrolling national parks and tiger reserves.
• In addition to this, the NTCA report has recommended the development of a national strategy to protect tigers. It has also stressed the need to strengthen the enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which provides legal protection to tigers.

By taking these measures, it is hoped that the number of tiger deaths in India will be significantly reduced in the future.

It is a sad reality that despite India being home to the world’s largest population of tigers, the number of deaths reported yearly is on the rise. This situation is a direct result of poaching, inadequate conservation efforts, and human-animal conflict. It is essential that more is done to conserve the tiger population in India and ensure that the number of deaths declines. Only then can we ensure the survival of these majestic creatures and the future of India's wildlife.