In a positive development for wildlife conservation and human safety, the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a significant decline in fatal encounters between humans and tigers in the year 2025. This encouraging trend emerged even as the population of the big cats within the reserve continued to grow, presenting a complex but hopeful scenario for coexistence.
A Notable Decline in Fatalities
Official records reveal that seven villagers lost their lives in tiger attacks in 2025. This marks a reduction from the ten fatalities reported in the previous year, 2024. Forest authorities have described this downward trend as particularly significant given the increasing pressure on the habitat. The year 2024 had been one of the deadliest in recent memory for human-wildlife conflict in the region surrounding Pilibhit.
A detailed breakdown of the 2024 incidents shows that three of the ten deaths occurred inside the core forest area of the Mala range. These victims had entered the protected zone illegally for tree felling. Because these tragedies happened within the core zone, their families were not eligible for the state government's ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh, which is provided for fatal conflicts outside protected forest areas. Most villages affected that year were located within a five-kilometre radius of the Mala, Mahof, and Barahi forest ranges.
Rising Tiger Numbers and Habitat Pressure
The reduction in human casualties in 2025 is noteworthy against the backdrop of a steadily increasing tiger population. Internal estimates by forest officials indicate that the number of tigers in the reserve rose to around 80 in 2025. This is up from the 71 tigers recorded in the National Tiger Conservation Authority's last national estimation in 2022.
Officials pointed out a critical factor contributing to conflict: nearly 30–35% of the tigers frequently venture into agricultural fields outside the core forest. This movement is primarily due to overcrowding within the reserve's boundaries, forcing the big cats to seek territory and prey in areas closer to human settlements.
Community-Led Initiatives Drive Change
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Manish Singh attributed the decline in fatal encounters to sustained awareness campaigns and proactive conflict-mitigation efforts. A cornerstone of this strategy was the 'Bagh Express' – a motorised outreach vehicle that travelled through 72 villages identified as highly sensitive to man-tiger conflict. This mobile unit disseminated crucial safety advisories and educated villagers about tiger behaviour.
This campaign was powerfully supported by a network of 130 'Bagh Mitras' (Friends of the Tiger). These are local villagers trained as first responders to alert forest authorities and help manage situations when tigers stray into human habitations. Implemented with support from the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature – India, this programme has empowered communities to become active participants in their own safety and conservation.
WWF project officer Naresh Kumar stated that the Bagh Mitras receive periodic training from wildlife experts to strengthen their role. In July 2025, they underwent specialised training at Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. This was followed by an exposure to broader conservation practices during a national-level workshop held in Pilibhit in September 2025.
Forest officials emphasize that as tiger numbers continue to rise and pressure on forest habitats increases, sustained community engagement, rapid response mechanisms, and continuous awareness programmes will remain crucial. The experience of 2025 demonstrates that with coordinated effort, it is possible to foster a safer environment for both humans and the majestic tigers of Pilibhit.
