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News18
an hour ago
- Politics
- News18
378 killed in tiger attacks from 2020-24: Govt
Agency: PTI New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI) India recorded 378 human deaths in tiger attacks between 2020 and 2024, with Maharashtra reporting the highest toll, according to government data presented in Parliament. Responding to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 110 people were killed in tiger attacks in 2022, the highest in the five-year period. The number of fatalities stood at 51 in 2020, 59 in 2021, 85 in 2023, and 73 in 2024. Maharashtra accounted for the most deaths, with 218 people losing their lives to tiger attacks over five years. The state recorded 82 deaths in 2022 alone. Uttar Pradesh followed with 61 fatalities, including 25 in 2023. Madhya Pradesh, known for its tiger reserves, reported 32 deaths during the same period. Assam, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and West Bengal also reported casualties, while states such as Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Mizoram recorded no deaths. According to a PTI analysis of the government data, over half of the tiger deaths in India between 2021 and 2025 so far have occurred outside protected reserves, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh accounting for the highest numbers. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 667 tigers died during this period, of which 341, or 51 per cent, were outside tiger reserves. The year-wise data shows 129 tiger deaths in 2021; 122 in 2022; 182 in 2023; 126 in 2024 and 108 so far in 2025. Deaths outside reserves were 64 in 2021; 52 in 2022; 100 in 2023; 65 in 2024 and 60 in 2025 so far. Maharashtra reported the highest number of deaths outside reserves at 111, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 90. The NTCA data also shows that 1,519 tigers died between 2012 and 2024, of which 634, or 42 per cent, were outside reserves. Currently, about 30 per cent of India's estimated 3,682 tigers live outside notified tiger reserves. To address the growing human-tiger conflict in these areas, the government plans to soon launch the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves project, which will cover 80 forest divisions across 17 states. According to the latest tiger population estimation conducted in 2022, there were around 785 tigers in Madhya Pradesh, 444 in Maharashtra; 563 in Karnataka, 560 in Uttarakhand, 306 in Tamil Nadu, 229 in Assam, 213 in Kerala and 205 in Uttar Pradesh. PTI GVS GVS RUK RUK view comments First Published: August 01, 2025, 19:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Arrowhead's daughter spotted near human settlement, triggers alert in Ramgarh Vishdhari
1 2 Jaipur: Heightened vigilance gripped the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) after tigress RBT 2507, recently reintroduced into the wild, was spotted near the fringes of a human settlement Wednesday. The big cat, in search of territory, was observed near a public school, triggering alarm among residents and forest officials. What sets this case apart is the tigress's lineage. RBT 2507 is the daughter of Ranthambhore's iconic tigress Arrowhead and the sister of Kankati, the sub-adult held responsible for killing a forest guard and a seven-year-old child in Ranthambhore earlier this year. This connection has intensified scrutiny, even though RBT 2507 has not exhibited aggressive behaviour so far. The tigress was released into the wild on July 16. Officials, though, are taking no chances. Forest teams used firecrackers to push the tigress back into the forest Wednesday. Three monitoring teams have been deployed in shifts to track her movement around the clock. If the animal ventures close to human habitation again, tranquilisation and capture may be considered. An NTCA directive earlier this year led to the translocation of all three of Arrowhead's cubs from Ranthambhore, citing behavioural anomalies. Kankati's aggressive incidents—and her male sibling also attacking and killing a human—fuelled by live bait feeding and poor hunting adaptation, were flagged as major concerns. RBT 2507 was chosen for release as she did not display hostile tendencies. However, a senior source expressed apprehension: "Releasing these sub-adults into the wild was a risky decision. Two of them already attacked humans. Relocation doesn't erase that instinct." Environmental activist Bhanwar Singh Hada said, "As of Thursday evening, she (RBT 2507) was within the forest near Tiger Hill, about 12 km from Bundi city. There is no immediate reason for alarm."


The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Stalin hails benefits of reservation for OBCs in all-India quota in medical admissions
On the fourth anniversary of the Union government's decision to provide 27% reservation for OBCs in the all India quota for undergraduate and postgraduate medical admissions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday renewed his vow to uphold social justice. About 20,000 students from OBCs got admissions during the past four years, which was a dream that ran across many generations for several families, Mr. Stalin in a social media said. By striving against many challenges, Mr. Stalin said: 'We are ensuring our place in education and employment.' On the occasion of the International Tiger Day on Tuesday, Mr. Stalin, in another social media post, said that Tamil Nadu roared with pride. 'With 306 tigers as per NTCA, this success rests on the shoulders of our forest staff and anti-poaching teams who guard critical habitats across tough terrains.' The Chief Minister further said that about 1,900 field posts have been filled, forces are being upgraded with modern gear, technology, and dedicated veterinarians to boost forest conservation. 'Habitats are being revived by removing invasives and improving forest health. The Tamil Nadu Forest and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, a specialised unit, has been formed to curb organised wildlife crime. In saving our tigers, we are protecting the soul of our forests,' he said.


News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
Tiger population in Kaziranga increases by 44 in 2 years to reach 148: Report
Guwahati, Jul 29 (PTI) Tiger population in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam has increased by 44 in two years to reach a total of 148, according to a report released on the occasion of International Tiger Day on Tuesday. The previous count of the big cat in Kaziranga was 104 in 2022. This growth is particularly notable due to the first-time sampling in the Biswanath Wildlife Division, where 27 recorded tigers have contributed to the overall increase, said the report titled 'Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024". In the core Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the population grew from 104 in 2022 to 115 in 2024, while the Nagaon Wildlife Division maintained a count of six tigers. Of the 148 adult tigers, identified in the three divisions of the forest, 83 are females, 55 males, and 10 with undetermined gender. Methodology for the tiger count included the deployment of remotely triggered camera traps in accordance with the Phase IV Protocol of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India, which follows a statistically robust mark-recapture framework to estimate tiger abundance and density. Paired camera traps were systematically placed across 1,307.49 sq km areas within three divisions of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve between December 2023 and April 2024, using a structured grid-based design to ensure comprehensive spatial coverage, the report stated. Based on the report and data published by various sources, it can be inferred that Kaziranga, with a population of 18.65 tigers per sq km, is now ranked as a reserve with the third highest density of tigers in the world, after Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Corbett National Park with 19.83 and 19.56, respectively, an official pointed out. Key drivers of this encouraging rise in tiger population are habitat expansion and protection, she said. An additional area of 200 sq km, including 12.82 sq km of encroachment-free area, has been added in recent years under Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries, bringing more habitat to the Tiger Reserve, the official said. This strategic extension has significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers, allowing for increased movement, breeding, and dispersal opportunities across divisions. In addition, the enhanced use of technology has revolutionised wildlife monitoring and protection. Along with camera traps, tools such as Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status(M-STrIPES ), drones, and infrared-based electronic surveillance systems (Electronic Eye), are now integral to daily operations. "These technological advancements have greatly improved anti-poaching measures, movement tracking, and habitat monitoring, leading to greater safety and better data," the official said. The integration of advanced technologies with meticulous efforts of the forest frontline staff, including 113 trained Van Durgas, the female frontline staff of the Tiger Reserve and the active support of civil society organisations and local communities have significantly helped in filling up data gaps, she said. "We also recognise the responsibility this milestone brings. It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives, strengthen community involvement, and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity," the official added. PTI DG BDC view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 18:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


The Print
3 days ago
- General
- The Print
Tiger population in Kaziranga increases by 27 to reach 148: Report
Of the 148 adult tigers, identified in the three divisions of the forest, 83 are females, 55 males, and 10 with undetermined gender. This growth is particularly notable due to the first-time sampling in the Biswanath Wildlife Division, where 27 recorded tigers have contributed to the overall increase, said the report titled 'Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024'. Guwahati, Jul 29 (PTI) Tiger population in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam has increased by 27 to reach a total of 148, according to a report released on the occasion of International Tiger Day on Tuesday. In the core Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the population grew from 104 to 115 in 2024, while the Nagaon Wildlife Division maintained a stable count of six tigers. Methodology for the tiger count included the deployment of remotely triggered camera traps in accordance with the Phase IV Protocol of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India, which follows a statistically robust mark-recapture framework to estimate tiger abundance and density. Paired camera traps were systematically placed across 1,307.49 sq km areas within three divisions of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve between December 2023 and April 2024, using a structured grid-based design to ensure comprehensive spatial coverage, the report stated. Based on the report and data published by various sources, it can be inferred that Kaziranga, with a population of 18.65 tigers per sq km, is now ranked as a reserve with the third highest density of tigers in the world, after Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Corbett National Park with 19.83 and 19.56, respectively, an official pointed out. Key drivers of this encouraging rise in tiger population are habitat expansion and protection, she said. An additional area of 200 sq km, including 12.82 sq km of encroachment-free area, has been added in recent years under Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries, bringing more habitat to the Tiger Reserve, the official said. This strategic extension has significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers, allowing for increased movement, breeding, and dispersal opportunities across divisions. In addition, the enhanced use of technology has revolutionised wildlife monitoring and protection. Along with camera traps, tools such as Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status(M-STrIPES ), drones, and infrared-based electronic surveillance systems (Electronic Eye), are now integral to daily operations. 'These technological advancements have greatly improved anti-poaching measures, movement tracking, and habitat monitoring, leading to greater safety and better data,' the official said. The integration of advanced technologies with meticulous efforts of the forest frontline staff, including 113 trained Van Durgas, the female frontline staff of the Tiger Reserve and the active support of civil society organisations and local communities have significantly helped in filling up data gaps, she said. 'We also recognise the responsibility this milestone brings. It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives, strengthen community involvement, and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity,' the official added. PTI DG DG BDC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.