While the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the apex body responsible for tiger conservation in India, it has made a surprising admission in response to an RTI query filed by mid-day. When asked for data on the number of tigers that have gone missing in India between 2010 and February 2025, the NTCA stated that it does not possess this information and advised contacting the respective state governments instead.

Earlier this year, mid-day had submitted an RTI request to the NTCA seeking year-wise and state-wise data on missing tigers from 2010 to February 26, 2025. In response, the NTCA shared the ‘Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India 2022’ report, which provides population statistics of tigers across the country, categorised by state, park, and reserve. However, it did not address the specific query about missing tigers. In reply to the question on missing tigers, the NTCA responded, “The said information is not available with this authority. Further, you may like to contact the Chief Wildlife Warden(s) of all Tiger Range States.”