NTCA data reveals that over half (53.2%) of tiger deaths occurred within Tiger Reserves (TRs), while nearly one-third (35.22%) happened outsideboundary of TRs during 2012-2022.

• Number of tiger deaths in 2023 is highest (178) since 2012.
• During 2012-2022, Madhya Pradesh (Bandhavgarh TR) reported highest number of Tiger death.

Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris) or Royal Bengal Tiger

• It is flagship species of India and has been declared as National Animal of India. 
• Population: Average number is 3,682 (All India Tiger Estimation -2022).
• Distribution: Found in throughout India (75% of world’s wild tiger population), Nepal, Bhutan & Bangladesh. 
  • Madhya Pradesh has maximum number of tigers followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand.
• India’s Habitat: Shivalik-Gangetic plains, Central India and Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, North Eastern Hills & Brahmaputra Flood Plains and Sundarbans.
• Characteristics: Solitary, mostly nocturnal and territorial animal, and territory of an adult male may encompass territories of two to seven females. 
  • Tiger stripes are individually as unique as human fingerprints.
• Threats: Habitat and loss of prey species, hunting, poaching, and illegal trade, Conflict with humans etc.
• Conservation status 
  • Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: Schedule I. 
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered. 
  • CITES: Appendix I.