Tiger Skeleton Found in Bandhavgarh as MP's Big Cat Death Toll Reaches 42

The discovery of a tiger skeleton in the core area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) has pushed Madhya Pradesh's tiger death toll to 42 this year, raising fresh concerns over wildlife conservation and the challenges of protecting the country's largest tiger population.

The skeleton was found during monsoon patrolling in the Majhkheta beat under the Tala range of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria district on Thursday, forest officials said. Senior reserve officials, including the field director, deputy director and a wildlife health officer, immediately reached the site to assess the situation.

A dog squad was deployed to search the surrounding area, while officials also examined the spot using a metal detector to look for any evidence that could help determine the cause of death.

According to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Field Director Anupam Sahay , the tiger was estimated to be around six years old and may have died more than a month ago in the reserve's deep core area. The exact cause of death will be established after further forensic examination.

The incident coincided with the Madhya Pradesh High Court directing the state government to strengthen measures for tiger protection while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on wildlife conservation.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) L. Krishnamoorthy confirmed that this was the 42nd tiger mortality reported in the wild in Madhya Pradesh in 2026. Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey described the figure as alarming, noting that the state had recorded 55 tiger deaths during the previous year.

Madhya Pradesh, which had 785 tigers according to the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation , continues to hold the country's largest tiger population. However, the rising number of tiger deaths has intensified concerns over wildlife conservation , highlighting the need for stronger habitat management, improved monitoring systems, timely health surveillance and enhanced anti-poaching measures. Conservation experts have also stressed the importance of regular patrolling, scientific monitoring and rapid investigation of wildlife deaths to ensure the long-term survival of the species.