India lost nearly 166 tigers in 2025, majority deaths outside protected areas says NTCA report
Hubballi: India lost nearly 166 tigers in 2025, the second-highest toll recorded in the past five years, with around 60% of the deaths occurring outside protected areas, according to data compiled by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Madhya Pradesh, which has the country’s highest tiger population at 785, reported the maximum number of deaths at 55. It was followed by Maharashtra with 38 deaths, Karnataka 15, Kerala 13 and Assam 12. As per the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation, Karnataka had 563 tigers, Uttarakhand 560 and Maharashtra 444.
Officials and experts attribute the rising number of deaths to shrinking habitats and an expanding tiger population, which has led to several reserves reaching saturation levels. NTCA data indicates that nearly 70% of the deaths were due to natural causes, primarily territorial fights among tigers.
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Deccan Herald reported that wildlife experts have also raised concerns over the increasing use of electric fencing across the country, which has resulted in fatalities not only among tigers but also elephants, leopards and other wildlife. However, they point out that tiger mortality of less than 5% of the overall population is not considered alarming, especially given India’s high tiger numbers.
Qamar Qureshi, former nodal officer with the Wildlife Institute of India-NTCA Tiger Cell, said the mortality figures do not indicate a crisis. “Due to lack of space, many tigers are dispersing outside protected areas, which lead to accidental deaths of both humans and tigers. However, the numbers are not alarming. India has an excellent reporting mechanism, which ensures that every death is recorded. Unnatural tiger deaths have come down drastically,” he said.
In a significant shift, the NTCA has begun recording tiger cub deaths as well. While such deaths were earlier excluded due to high natural mortality rates among cubs, the authority reported 31 cub deaths in 2025.
India was home to at least 3,682 tigers as per the 2022 census and the country recorded its highest tiger mortality in 2023 with 182 deaths, followed by 166 in 2025, about 40 more than the previous year.
Karnataka reported three incidents of unnatural tiger deaths in 2025, resulting in the loss of three adult tigers and four cubs. Eight other tigers died due to natural causes. Officials clarified that this figure does not include five cubs that died after being shifted to a rehabilitation centre following rescue operations.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) P C Ray said perceptions around tiger deaths often ignore population dynamics. “Counting cub deaths along with adult tiger mortality does not give a correct picture. The birth and survival rates in Karnataka are much higher than the mortality rate. Most female tigers are giving birth to three to five cubs a season due to better protection and food availability. Even with a 50% survival rate, the tiger population in the state remains substantial,” he said.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
