As many as 36 <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/nature-and-wildlife/article/trailing-tigers-in-mahahrashtras-tadoba-national-park-and-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-23619940" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">tiger</a> deaths have been reported in India so far in 2026, with Madhya Pradesh recording highest number of big cat deaths in past months.
According to the data compiled by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), among the states, Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths at 12, followed by Maharashtra with eight deaths and Assam with four.
The NTCA data stated that 20 tiger deaths occurred inside tiger reserves, while 16 were reported outside protected areas.
The figures highlight concerns for wildlife authorities as tiger populations often face threats both within and beyond designated conservation zones.
<h2>Central India records highest numbers</h2>
The Central India landscape, particularly Madhya Pradesh and <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-pune-businessman-kidnapped-for-50-lakh-ransom-rescued-by-police-five-held-23620306" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Maharashtra</a>, accounted for 20 of the 36 tiger deaths recorded this year. The region has one of the country&rsquo;s largest tiger populations and several major reserves.
<h2>State-wise tiger deaths in 2026</h2>
The NTCA data shows the following numbers across states -&nbsp;
- Madhya Pradesh - 12 deaths
- Maharashtra - 8 deaths
- Assam - 4 deaths
- Tamil Nadu - 4 deaths
- Karnataka - 3 deaths
- <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/west-asia-war-rajasthan-man-shelters-250-stranded-passengers-at-his-dubai-farmhouse-23619999" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Rajasthan</a> - 1 death
- Chhattisgarh - 1 death
- Uttarakhand - 1 death
- Arunachal Pradesh - 1 death
- Uttar Pradesh - 1 death
<h2>Cause of deaths not specified</h2>
The NTCA data available on its website does not specify the causes of these tiger deaths. Wildlife officials typically investigate factors such as natural causes, territorial fights, poaching, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/three-injured-after-test-drive-car-crashes-into-multiple-vehicles-falls-into-20-foot-construction-pit-in-maharashtras-thane-23620304" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">accidents</a> or human-wildlife conflict when such cases are reported.

Tiger deaths in India: As many as 36 tiger deaths have been reported in India so far in 2026, with Madhya Pradesh recording highest number of big cat deaths

Tiger deaths in India: 36 tiger deaths reported in India so far this year, MP records highest

NCERT book row: SC directs Centre to form panel of domain experts to finalise legal studies course

According to the data compiled by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, 20 tiger deaths occurred inside tiger reserves, while 16 were reported outside protected areas

36 tiger deaths reported in India so far this year, MP records highest

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / News / India News / Article / 36 tiger deaths reported in India so far this year, MP records highest