Colonial Mindset Fuels India's Tiger Conservation Crisis

Madhya Pradesh, home to India's largest tiger population, reported a concerning 55 tiger deaths in 2025, the highest number recorded since Project Tiger began in 1973. A significant 27% of these deaths, totaling 15, were attributed to unnatural causes like poisoning and poaching, prompting a judicial review.

Activists are questioning the forest department's narrative, particularly concerning a radiocollared tigress found buried near Satpura Tiger Reserve. Some propose that the opium syndicate, rather than retaliatory killings by forest dwellers for livestock, may be responsible for the tigress's death.

Concerns have been raised regarding the investigation process for tiger deaths, including allegations of incomplete forensic reports and a lack of videography during post-mortems. The state government, in response to a PIL, acknowledged statutory limitations in investigating organized wildlife crime.

Critics argue that the current conservation approach reflects a colonial legacy, painting indigenous communities as 'savage' while overlooking the potential involvement of 'white-collar' criminals supported by political influence. This perspective allegedly criminalizes local communities, fostering fear and alienation.

Experts advocate for a people-centric conservation model, emphasizing the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and the inclusion of local communities in forest management and decision-making processes. This approach aims to restore agency and foster a collaborative relationship between communities and their environment.