Dehradun: There has been a 57 percent decrease in tiger deaths in Uttarakhand this year. Last year, there were 21 deaths, while this year, so far, 9 deaths have been recorded. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority website, eight tigers have died in the state so far this year. The last case of a tiger death this year was reported in September.
Moreover, there have been no reported cases of poaching this year, further highlighting the success of ongoing conservation efforts in the state.
57 percent decline in tiger deaths
There has been a 57 percent decrease in tiger deaths in the state compared to last year. The state has a good number of tigers. Last year, cases of tiger deaths were reported throughout the year. The first death was reported in the state on January 23, after which cases kept coming up. By December 27, the death toll of tigers in the state had reached 21.
So far, no poaching has been reported this year
Apart from natural deaths, cases of poaching also came to light last year. Three tiger skins were recovered in Kumaon in July and September. The length of the tiger skin recovered in July was up to 11 feet. This year has been better so far in terms of tiger conservation. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, 9 tigers have died in the state so far this year. The last case of a tiger death this year was reported on 6 September when a male tiger in Barhani range close to Kaladhungi tehsil of Nainital district. The first tiger death was reported on 27 February this year when an adult female tiger died in Kosi range of Jim Corbett Reserve in Ramnagar, Nainital.
132 tigers died in 12 years
According to the NTCA, Uttarakhand ranks fourth in the country in terms of tiger deaths. Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of deaths at 365. So far, 132 tigers have died in Uttarakhand from 2012 to September 2024. As per the source in forest department, “According to the country’s tiger census conducted every four years, Uttarakhand ranks third in the nation with a tiger population of 560 in 2022. However, the cases of tiger deaths in the state in 2023 have raised concerns among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.”
Three tiger skins were recovered last year
The Forest Department has been silent on the location of wildlife hunting. Last year, three tiger skins were recovered. Where these tigers were hunted has not been revealed till date. Similarly, in 2022, two tiger skins were recovered by the forest department team and security agencies, but there was silence about the place of hunting.
Forest department and security agencies have tightened patrol efforts
Ranjan Mishra, Uttarakhand’s Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Ranjan Mishra, said to News9live, “We are very happy with this decline in mortality rate of tigers in Uttarakhand. Our department’s cumulative efforts played a significant role in tiger conservation. Steps have been taken to prevent unnatural deaths of tigers. Patrolling and monitoring have been improved. Efforts have also been made to improve the habitat of tigers. If tigers get food and security inside the forest, their movement outside the forests will be reduced. People associated with eco-tourism also help the forest department. Investigations are being conducted into poaching cases from last year.”
Jim Corbett National Park ranks first in terms of tiger density
The Jim Corbett National Park ranks first in terms of tiger density. In 2010, tigers were on the verge of extinction. Ranking first in the country among 53 tiger reserves, Jim Corbett has the highest density of tigers. Besides, the number of tigers in the park has been consistently increasing. Additionally, it provides a safe environment for tigers due to its natural habitat, availability of water through natural and artificial water sources.” Mishra said.
