Madhya Pradesh Tiger Mortality: 57 Deaths by November 2026, Including 18 Under Two

The news

Madhya Pradesh recorded 57 tiger deaths by 7 November 2026, the highest annual figure for the state so far, according to data from the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The 2026 total has already exceeded the 53 deaths recorded in 2025 and the 47 deaths in 2024.

Of the 57 deaths, 18 were of tigers younger than two years, meaning nearly one in three deceased tigers was a cub or sub-adult. Territorial conflict was the largest identified cause, accounting for 19 deaths, including 11 of the young tigers. Nine tigers died from electric current and one from a solar fence. Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves each recorded 12 deaths. Kanha also reported eight deaths attributed to canine distemper virus.

Tiger reserves accounted for 35 of the 57 deaths. Conflict deaths were reported in Bandhavgarh (five), Kanha (three), Panna (two), and Satpura, Sanjay and Durgavati (one each). Shubhranjan Sen, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force of Madhya Pradesh, said the state's large tiger population partly explains the higher number of deaths compared to other states.

What is the National Tiger Conservation Authority?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. It was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The 2006 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act enabled its creation. The authority is responsible for Project Tiger reserves and normative standards in tiger habitat management.

How does the 2026 figure compare with previous years?

Madhya Pradesh recorded 47 tiger deaths in 2024 and 53 in 2025. The 2026 total of 57 by early November is already the highest annual figure for the state. Over three years, 47 tigers younger than two years have died.

What are the main causes of death and their distribution?

Territorial conflict caused 19 deaths, the largest single cause. Among the 18 young tigers, 11 died from conflict, five from canine distemper virus, one from electric current and one from natural causes. Electrocution from power lines and solar fences killed 10 tigers. Kanha and Bandhavgarh each recorded 12 deaths; Kanha also reported eight deaths from canine distemper virus.

What challenges does high juvenile mortality pose?

The death of 18 tigers under two years in a single year can affect future population recruitment, as fewer young animals survive to breeding age. Disease outbreaks such as canine distemper virus and electrocution from infrastructure require separate management responses beyond territorial conflict mitigation.