Archive · 30 Jul 2026
India's Tiger Numbers Rise, but Deaths Continue to Climb
India has more tigers than ever before, with 3,682 wild tigers counted in 2026.
But 111 of them died that year, which is still a lot.
Most of the deaths happened in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which has the biggest tiger population.
Tigers die for many reasons, like getting old, fighting, getting hit by trains, or being poached.
The Supreme Court made new rules to keep tigers safer, and people who care about tigers want better protection and more help from local villages.
India's wild tiger population reached 3,682 in 2026, a 24% increase since 2018.
111 tigers died in 2026, up from 166 in 2025 and 126 in 2024.
Madhya Pradesh accounted for 45 deaths, about 40% of the national total, and houses the largest tiger population (785).
Causes of death include old age, territorial fights, electrocution, train accidents, poisoning, poaching, and habitat loss.
Supreme Court issued stricter guidelines for tiger reserves in November 2025, and conservationists call for stronger enforcement and community involvement.
- Who
- Ajay Dubey, Bhupender Yadav, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Supreme Court
- What
- India's tiger population reached a record high while tiger deaths increased; causes include poaching, habitat loss, and accidents; new guidelines were issued for tiger reserves
- When
- 2026 for population and deaths; November 2025 for Supreme Court guidelines; 2018 for the 24% population increase
- Where
- India, Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
- Why
- To protect tigers, address habitat loss, improve enforcement, and involve local communities
- Tiger population (2026)
- 3,682
- Tiger deaths (2026)
- 111
- Madhya Pradesh tiger deaths (2026)
- 45
- Largest tiger population state
- Madhya Pradesh (785)
- Supreme Court guidelines issued
- November 2025