Maharashtra Reports 8 Tiger Deaths in a Month, Raising Concern
Nagpur, India: Maharashtra recorded eight tiger deaths in January 2025, the highest in the last five years. This has raised serious concerns among wildlife experts. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Maharashtra saw four tiger deaths in January 2024, five in 2023, four in 2022, and six in 2021.
Even though Maharashtra’s tiger population has grown from 150 to 444 in 15 years, experts believe that poaching and weak monitoring are putting tigers in danger. The recent arrest of a notorious poacher, Ajit Siyalal Pardhi, along with five others, has further highlighted the threat. In another case, three poachers disguised as monks were caught trying to smuggle leopard skin.
Wildlife experts are demanding urgent action to stop poaching. Two of the eight tiger deaths this year, on January 6 and January 14, are suspected poaching cases. Experts believe that poachers know how to escape the law and can return to poaching once released on bail.
To tackle this issue, experts have suggested:
- A special task force that will investigate poaching cases round the clock
- A central wildlife crime database to help track poachers after their release
- Better monitoring of tigers, especially when they leave protected forest areas, to prevent poaching
In a major breakthrough, poacher Ajit Siyalal Pardhi confessed to his crimes while in custody. Acting on his statement, the Forest Department found hidden tiger body parts and weapons used for poaching. Pardhi and his gang have been sent to forest custody till January 31.
The operation was led by Deputy Conservator of Forests Shweta Boddu, with support from Assistant Conservator Pawankumar Jong and other forest officials.
With poaching cases on the rise, experts are urging stronger action to protect Maharashtra’s tigers and ensure they are safe in the wild.
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