Over 70 cases of tiger deaths reported in 2016

NEW DELHI: More than 70 cases of tiger deaths including 21 incidents of poaching have been reported across the country this year, while there has been a 30 per cent increase in population of the big cats, the government today said.

"73 cases of tiger mortality have been reported by the states till date which inter alia include 21 cases of confirmed poaching including seizure, seven cases due to natural and other causes while 45 cases are under scrutiny," Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

The assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators and their prey in 2014 using the refined methodology has shown a countrywide 30 per cent increase in tiger numbers with an estimated number of 2,226 (range 1945-2491) as compared to 2010 estimation of 1,706 (range 1520-1909) tigers, he said.

A total of 78 tiger mortality cases were reported last year which included 14 cases of poaching including seizure, 28 deaths due to natural and other causes and 36 cases which were under scrutiny, according to data furnished by Dave.

Replying to another question, he said the government has received one representation for protection of tigers in Kanha including a 15-year-old tiger called Munna.

"Yes Sir. One such representation has been received in this authority and Madhya Pradesh has been requested to furnish an update or factual position on the matter," Dave added.