A total of 12 tigers have died in Maharashtra between December 30, 2024, and January 22, 2025, in various incidents, state Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stated.Naik directed forest officials to implement strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The causes of death range from natural conflicts and illnesses to accidental deaths due to electric shocks, vehicle collisions, and poaching.Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with three poaching cases, according to Naik.Despite these losses, Maharashtra's tiger population has increased from 103 in 2006 to 444, as per the 2022 Census. Naik also emphasized plans to expand the state's forest cover from 21% to 30% of the total geographical area, as mandated by the Central government.The Forest Department and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company have introduced several preventive measures to curb tiger deaths. District-level tiger committee meetings are being held to develop wildlife protection strategies.Informants have been appointed at the zonal level to track illegal poaching activities, and regular patrols are conducted by the Tiger Protection Force and dog squad teams.Advanced technology is being deployed to enhance monitoring efforts. Field staff are now equipped with mobile devices using the M-Stripes system for real-time tracking of suspicious activity. Wireless messaging systems have been introduced in highly sensitive areas, and camera traps have been installed along tiger routes, near water bodies, and in other critical locations.Additional safeguards include setting up checkpoints in key areas, inspecting traveller tents near villages, and using metal detectors to detect and remove iron traps near water bodies.
