Earlier tagged as the Tiger State with the highest number of big cats, it has now lost that status to Karnataka.
The state now has 257 tigers vis-à-vis the 300 recorded during the previous census.
The situation is especially worrisome at the famous Kanha National Park which now has just 60 tigers.
The government though has trashed the findings of the census.
"We don't agree with the numbers as survey at the Kanha National Park is yet to be completed. Once that happens, the tiger population figure will surely change", said state Forest Minister Sartaaj Singh.
As per the wildlife institute data, the tiger habitat in the state has shrunk by nearly 3000 square kilometres. The Opposition is blaming the government for the decline in the numbers.
"The falling numbers of wild animals in Madhya Pradesh is a cause for concern. Our state had the highest numbers of tigers at one point. The Forest Minister and the Chief Minister are responsible for this", said Choudhary Rakesh Singh, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Madhya Pradesh.
Even as the overall tiger count has gone up in the latest census, the falling numbers in the state has emerged as a big concern.
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