Home   »   Environment   »   Tiger Population in India

Tiger Population in India, Tiger Census Report of India

Tiger Population in India 

India is home to the largest population of tigers in the world, with an estimated 2,967 individuals as of 2018. Tigers are an important part of India’s cultural heritage and play a critical role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystems.

The Indian government has been working to conserve and protect tigers through various initiatives and programs, including the creation of tiger reserves, anti-poaching measures, habitat conservation, and community outreach programs. These efforts have helped to stabilize and even increase tiger populations in some areas.

Despite these conservation efforts, tigers in India continue to face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-tiger conflicts. To ensure the long-term survival of tigers in India, it is important to continue these conservation efforts and address the underlying threats to tigers and their habitats.

India is an important player in the global effort to conserve and protect tigers, and its success in stabilizing and increasing its tiger populations provides hope for the future of this magnificent species. By working together, we can ensure that tigers continue to thrive in India and in other parts of their range.

Read about: Tiger Reserves in India

Tiger Census Report 

The Tiger Census in India is conducted by the government every four years to assess the population of tigers in the country. The last tiger census was conducted in 2018 and estimated the tiger population in India to be around 2,967 individuals, which was an increase from the previous census in 2014. 

The next tiger census has already been conducted in 2022, and the results are expected to be released very soon. This new estimate of the Tiger Population in India will help to conservation efforts. The Indian government’s goal is to increase the tiger population to at least 3,000 individuals and maintain and improve their habitats to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Tiger census is an extensive exercise which involves a number of scientific approaches to counting individuals. Several methods used to count tigers include:

  • Camera Trapping: This involves setting up camera traps at strategic locations in tiger habitats to capture images of individual tigers. These images are then used to identify individual tigers based on their unique stripe patterns, which are similar to a human fingerprint.
  • DNA Analysis: Hair or scat samples collected from tigers can be used to determine the species, sex, and individual identity of tigers through DNA analysis. This method is useful for estimating tiger populations in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Pug Mark Counting: This involves counting the pug marks (footprints) of tigers in a particular area to estimate the number of individuals present. This method is used in conjunction with other methods to validate the results and provide a more accurate estimate of the tiger population.
  • Direct Observation: This involves direct observation of tigers in the wild by trained observers. This method is used to supplement other methods and provide additional information on the distribution and behaviour of tigers.

The methods used for counting tigers are chosen based on the specific habitats and conditions in a given area. The results from multiple methods are often combined to provide a more accurate estimate of the tiger population. The tiger census in India is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders and partners working together to conserve and protect the country’s tiger populations. These include: 

  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): The NTCA is the nodal agency responsible for the management and conservation of tigers in India. It provides technical and financial support to the states for conducting the tiger census.
  • State Forest Departments: The state forest departments play a crucial role in conducting the tiger census by implementing field-level activities, such as setting up camera traps, collecting samples, and training field staff.
  • Wildlife NGOs and Conservation Groups: Wildlife NGOs and conservation groups often provide technical support and expertise to government agencies in conducting the tiger census. They also help in spreading awareness about the importance of tiger conservation and protection.
  • Researchers and Scientists: Researchers and scientists from universities, research institutions, and wildlife organizations are involved in developing and implementing the methods used for counting tigers, analyzing the data, and interpreting the results.
  • Local Communities: Local communities, especially those living near tiger habitats, are also involved in the tiger census by providing information about tiger sightings, assisting in collecting data, and participating in awareness programs.

Read about: Wildlife Sanctuaries of India

Tiger Population in India 2023

The estimation of the tiger population in India is made through frequent tiger censuses. As of January 2023, the latest data available is from the 2018 census, which estimates the total number of tigers in India to be 2,967. The results of the 2022 census are expected to be released soon.

Read about: National Parks in India

Tiger Population in India 2023 Statewise 

Tigers are found in a number of protected areas and wildlife reserves in different states of India, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves. Here is a state-wise List of the Tiger population in India. This list is based on data from the tiger census conducted in 2018. 

State Tiger Population 
Andhra Pradesh 48
Arunachal Pradesh 29
Assam 190
Bihar 31
Chhattisgarh 19
Goa 3
Gujarat 0
Jharkhand 5
Karnataka 524
Kerala 190
Madhya Pradesh 526
Maharashtra 312
Meghalaya 0
Mizoram 0
Nagaland 0
Odisha 28
Rajasthan 91
Tamil Nadu 264
Tripura 0
Uttar Pradesh 173
Uttarakhand 442
West Bengal 131

Read about: Natural Vegetation in India

Highest Tiger Population State in India 

As of 2018, the state with the highest estimated tiger population in India is Madhya Pradesh, with an estimated 526 individuals. Other states with significant tiger populations include Karnataka (524 tigers), Uttarakhand (442 tigers), and Tamil Nadu (229 tigers). Madhya Pradesh is home to several protected areas and wildlife reserves that serve as important habitats for tigers, including Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Pench National Park, and Sanjay National Park.

Read about: Mountains of India

Tiger Population of India UPSC 

The tiger population of India is an important topic for the UPSC exams, as it relates to the conservation and management of wildlife in the country. The Indian government conducts regular tiger censuses to determine the status of tiger populations and monitor their trends over time. Some of the key factors affecting tiger populations in India include habitat loss and degradation, poaching, and poaching.

The UPSC may directly or indirectly ask about the conservation efforts being undertaken by the Indian government and various organizations to protect and conserve tigers and their habitats. 

Sharing is caring!

FAQs

How many tigers are in 2022?

As per latest Tiger Census data conducted in 2018, there are 2,967 tigers in India.

Which state has highest tiger in India?

Madhya Pradesh has highest number of tiger totalling 526.

Is tiger population increasing in India?

Tiger population of India has increased consistently ever since Project Tiger was launched in 1972.

Which country has most tigers?

India has largest tiger population in the world.

TOPICS:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *