India records 167 tiger deaths in 2025, majority outside tiger reserves, Madhya Pradesh tops list

India witnessed the death of 167 tigers in 2025, according to compiled data for the year, highlighting continuing concerns over tiger safety, especially outside protected areas.

The figures indicate that the country recorded 40 more tiger deaths in 2025 as compared to the previous year (2024) when it lost 126 of these big cats, the apex predators in the ecosystem who are considered to be at the top of the food chain.

In 2025, Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of tiger deaths, accounting for over one-third of the total fatalities in 2025. Deaths were recorded both inside and outside tiger reserves, with a significant number occurring in buffer zones and revenue areas.

Maharashtra followed as the second-highest contributor, with numerous deaths reported largely outside tiger reserves, including forest divisions, agricultural land and non-forest areas.

Other states reporting notable numbers include Kerala, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.

States such as West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha recorded comparatively fewer tiger deaths during the year.

A clear majority of tiger deaths occurred outside notified tiger reserves, pointing to rising risks in non-protected landscapes such as buffer zones, revenue land, agricultural fields and human-dominated areas.

Deaths inside tiger reserves were reported mainly from well-known habitats including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Kaziranga, Corbett, Ranthambore, Mudumalai and Bandipur.

The fatalities included adult tigers, sub-adults and cubs, with a concerning number of cub deaths reported across multiple states.

Seizures were recorded in several cases, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Assam, indicating instances of suspected poaching or illegal activity, though most cases did not involve seizures.

The 2025 data shows that while tiger reserves remain relatively safer, tigers outside protected areas face significantly higher mortality risks due to conflict, habitat pressure and possible illegal activities. Conservation experts stress the need for stronger protection in buffer zones, wildlife corridors and non-forest landscapes to prevent further losses.

The figures underline the urgency of expanding conservation efforts beyond core reserves to ensure long-term survival of India’s tiger population.