375 big cats died in Maha since 2010, claims study

The state lost 291 leopards and 84 tigers between 2010 and 2017, with poachers killing 159, according to a study by the Wildlife Protection Survey of India (WPSI).

The study also says that six sloth bears were killed during the period.

Of the big cats that were killed, 134 were leopards and 25 were tigers, accounting for 42% of the deaths. There were 17 leopard deaths in 2017, with poachers responsible for seven deaths. There were 46 deaths in both 2016 and 2015 Four tigers died in 2017 them died in 2016 — the highest. Four tigers were poached in 2012 . WPSI’S report used data collected from annual reports of the state and central forest departments Tigers and leopards are

Wildlife Protection Act, 1986. According to the state forest department, there are 202 tigers currently across the state and approximately 905 leopards.

WPSI said Maharashtra fig

country as far as tiger and leopard deaths are concerned . “We can see that the number of deaths is increasing in Maharashtra, especially leopards. The state ranks third in the country second for leopard deaths,” said Tito Joseph, programme coordinator, WPSI. “There are different causes but poaching worries us the most, where these animals are captured for their skin. Increase in construction work, especially corridors through wildlife areas, rise in road accidents over the years, has added to these animals’ plight. There are conflict incidents too. This has to be minimised to reduce such deaths.”

Last year, 132 tiger deaths were recorded in the country, most of which took place in Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra.