Tiger Deaths at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
A status report from the Madhya Pradesh government addressed the deaths of eight tigers at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve between November 2025 and February 24, 2026. The report, submitted to the Madhya Pradesh High Court following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by wildlife activist Ajay Dubey, claimed no evidence of poaching. Causes of death were attributed to electrocution and natural factors.
Causes of Tiger Deaths
- Electrocution:
- Four tigers died due to electrocution.
- Three tigers came into contact with live electric wires in agricultural fields adjoining the reserve.
- One tiger was entangled in a solar-powered electric fence.
- Natural Biological and Ecological Factors:
- Four deaths were due to diseases, territorial fights, and drowning.
Field Response and Accountability
- Prompt field response and legal actions were undertaken in electrocution cases.
- Actions included spot inspection, registration of forest offence proceedings, and identification and prosecution of offenders.
Corrective Measures
The report outlined several initiatives to prevent future incidents:
- The field director communicated with the electricity department to address dilapidated power lines threatening wildlife.
- Technical audits of power lines and replacement of bare conductors with insulated cables were recommended.
- Installation of spike guards on electric poles and banning improper power connections were also suggested.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and Court Directions
The PIL alleged negligence and inadequate safety measures due to the high mortality rate, with 54 tiger deaths recorded in 2025. The High Court directed senior officials to submit detailed reports on the causes of death and actions taken.
