Tue Jan 28 16:05:32 UTC 2025: ## Twelve Tigers Dead in Maharashtra in Less Than a Month
**Thane, Maharashtra – January 28, 2025** – A surge in tiger deaths has prompted a strong response from the Maharashtra state government. Twelve tigers perished in various incidents across the state between December 30, 2024, and January 22, 2025, according to Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.
The deaths resulted from a combination of factors, including natural causes like illness and injuries from conflict, as well as accidental deaths from electrocution, vehicle collisions, and poaching. Nine arrests have been made in connection with three poaching cases.
Despite these recent losses, Maharashtra’s tiger population has significantly increased, rising from 103 in 2006 to 444 in the 2022 census. Minister Naik announced plans to further protect the growing tiger population by increasing the state’s forest cover from 21% to 30% of its geographical area, aligning with central government mandates.
The state Forest Department and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company are implementing preventative measures, including increased patrols, the use of advanced technology like the M-Stripes system for real-time tracking, and the installation of camera traps. District-level tiger committees are meeting to develop comprehensive wildlife protection strategies, and informants are being utilized to gather intelligence on illegal poaching activities. Additional measures such as checkpoints, inspections of traveler tents, and the use of metal detectors are also being employed. Minister Naik has directed forest officials to implement strict measures to prevent future tiger deaths.
First Piper 