41 of 166 tiger deaths in country last year reported in Maharashtra

Why in news

Maharashtra's Forest Minister Ganesh Naik reported 41 tiger deaths in 2025, while environmentalists criticized a proposal to reclassify leopards in the Wildlife Protection Act.

Background

Maharashtra reported 41 tiger deaths out of 166 nationwide in 2025. Deaths occurred in regions including Pench Tiger Reserve and Saleghaat wildlife zone.

Facts for Prelims

• Fact41 tiger deaths were reported in Maharashtra out of 166 total deaths in India in 2025
• PlacePench Tiger Reserve and Saleghaat wildlife zone are locations where tiger deaths were recorded
• BodySpecial Tiger Protection Force and Wildlife Crime Cell are measures being implemented in Maharashtra
• Act / BillWildlife Protection Act classifies species into different schedules for legal protection

For Mains

Q. Critically analyze the implications of reclassifying wildlife species under the Wildlife Protection Act on biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict management.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Legal vulnerability: Reduced protection under Schedule II may lower penalties for poaching and illegal trade
• Ecological imbalance: Potential for increased human-wildlife conflict due to weakened legal safeguards for leopard populations

Keywords: Biodiversity conservation · Human-wildlife conflict · Wildlife Protection Act · Poaching mitigation · Species reclassification

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