126 tigers died in India in 2021, the most since data began being compiled a decade ago. The previous highest number of deaths was in 2016 when 121 died. The maximum number of deaths took place in Madhya Pradesh which recorded 44, followed by 26 in Maharashtra and 14 in Karnataka. Blame it on diverse threats, ranging from poaching to habitat loss and overhunting of the tiger’s prey species. And, yes, the COVID-19 pandemic had something to do with the last reason.
