Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 13: The Maharashtra government on Friday informed the State Legislative Council that 41 of the 166 tiger deaths reported nationwide in 2025 occurred in the state.

The issue was raised by independent MLC Satyajeet Tambe and others, who sought details on tiger fatalities and measures taken to reduce such deaths. In a written reply, State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik confirmed the figures.

He cited specific incidents, including a tiger cub found dead on January 7, 2026, with preliminary investigations suggesting death due to a fight among tigers. Another decomposed cub appeared to have died from natural causes.

Minister Naik outlined the extensive measures undertaken for tiger and wildlife protection in the state:

• Patrolling & Monitoring: The Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) conducts regular patrolling in hypersensitive areas, supported by dog squads for hunting activity monitoring. Field staff use mobile devices with the M-Stripes system to track suspicious movements.

• Intelligence & Anti-Poaching: Informers at the range level provide intelligence on poachers, with actions funded through secret service funds. Wireless communication systems are active in sensitive areas.

• Infrastructure & Surveillance: Protection huts and observation towers have been constructed. Camera traps are installed at tiger corridors, water bodies, and critical zones to monitor wildlife and detect illegal activity. Metal detectors are used to prevent iron traps along paths.

• Crime Tracking & Cyber Monitoring: A Wildlife Crime Cell at the Nagpur Principal Chief Conservator of Forests monitors wildlife crimes, while a Cyber Cell at the Melghat Tiger Project tracks individuals involved in poaching.

• Routine Inspections: Checkposts at key points in sensitive areas inspect incoming and outgoing vehicles. Fortnightly tracking programs for tigers and leopards are conducted, and nomadic settlements near villages are monitored. Water bodies are regularly inspected to prevent poisoning.

“These measures aim to safeguard tigers, leopards, and other wildlife, while strengthening intelligence and monitoring to reduce fatalities,” Minister Naik added.

This response reflects Maharashtra’s ongoing efforts to balance conservation with strict anti-poaching initiatives in its tiger habitats.