MP RECORDS HIGHEST TIGER DEATHS IN INDIA

Madhya Pradesh has earned the dubious distinction of witnessing highest number of tiger deaths in the country for the second consecutive year in 2018. Of the total 85 tiger deaths reported in the country in the current calendar year so far, the share of MP was 24, according to records available with state forest department here. Last year too, the state had recorded highest number of tiger deaths in country with toll touching 28. Last year, total 77 tiger deaths were reported in the country. Most of the deaths of the big cats were reported in National Parks and sanctuaries in the state, causing concern among the conservationists. While famed Kanha National Park has reported deaths of eight tigers in the current year so far, Bandhavgarh tiger reserve has recorded deaths of four big cats. While six tigers were killed in poaching, nine others died in territorial fights, a senior forest officer told this newspaper here on Monday unwilling to be quoted. Cause of death of five tigers was yet to be ascertained, he added. An adult female tiger was killed by poachers with the help of a local villager in Ratapani reserve forest in Bhopal district five days ago.