Bandhavgarh Tiger ‘Pujari’ Dies In Territorial Fight, Renewing Concerns Over Rising Tiger Deaths In Madhya Pradesh
The death of the male tiger in Bandhavgarh has once again highlighted concerns over shrinking habitats, territorial conflicts and increasing tiger mortality in India’s ‘Tiger State’.
A well-known male tiger named “Pujari” from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has reportedly died following a territorial clash with another male tiger identified as D1, sparking fresh concerns among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists over rising tiger deaths in Madhya Pradesh.
Pujari was considered one of the prominent tigers of the reserve and was often sighted in the Khitauli range. Wildlife lovers fondly remember seeing him alongside his brother “Chota Bheem” in earlier years. However, after Chota Bheem’s death, the Khitauli region reportedly turned into a conflict zone as multiple male tigers attempted to capture the vacant territory.
According to local accounts, three dominant names had emerged in the territorial battle — Pujari, D1 and another tiger known as “Bahar Wala”. The ongoing conflict eventually resulted in the death of Pujari, described by many as one of the reserve’s strongest fighters.
The incident has intensified debate around tiger conservation and habitat management in Madhya Pradesh, which has long held the title of India’s “Tiger State”. Conservationists argue that increasing territorial fights, habitat pressure and fragmented wildlife corridors are contributing to rising tiger mortality across the state.
Apart from territorial conflicts, tiger deaths due to electrocution and poisoning have also raised alarm among wildlife experts. According to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) data reported earlier in May 2026, Madhya Pradesh recorded 28 tiger deaths within the first five months of the year, including 12 fatalities since early April.
Wildlife activists believe the increasing number of deaths underlines the urgent need for larger habitats, safer wildlife corridors and stronger conservation measures to ensure healthy movement and survival of tigers across forest landscapes.
The death of Pujari has once again reignited calls for long-term ecological planning and stronger protection mechanisms for India’s tiger population.
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