Tiger Population in India, Tiger Census Report of India

Tiger Population in India 

India is the home of 80% world’s tigers. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under Project Tiger scheme manages 56 tiger reserves in India, Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh leads the country in tiger population with 785 out of about 3800 big cats living in the wild.

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand has the highest number of tigers among all reserves with 260. Other reserves like Bandhavgarh has 135 tigers, Kanha has 105, and Pench has 77. Other reserves contributing to the tiger population include Kaziranga (104), Sundarbans (100), Dudhwa (135), Tadoba (97), Satyamangalam (85), Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), Bandipur (150), and Nagarhole (141).

Read about: Tiger Reserves in India

Tiger Census Report 

In the 2022 tiger census, India’s tiger population grew to 3682 up from 2967 in 2018. The Wildlife Institute of India says the maximum number of tigers could be 3925, with an average of 3682 tigers, showing an annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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 for counting tigers depend on the type of habitat and conditions in each area. Different counting methods are often combined to get a more accurate estimate of the tiger population. In India, the tiger census is a team effort involving many people and organizations working together to protect and conserve tigers. 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 2024

The next official tiger population data for 2026 has not been released yet. The last census in 2022 reported 3682 tigers in India.

Read about: National Parks in India

Tiger Population in India 2024 Statewise 

Tigers live in many protected areas and wildlife reserves across different states in India, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves. Here is a list of the tiger population in each state, based on the 2022 tiger census data.

Read about: Natural Vegetation in India

Highest Tiger Population State in India 

The 2022 tiger census estimated the tiger population in India to be between 3,682 and 3,925. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh (MP) has the highest number of tigers with 785. It is followed by Karnataka with 563 tigers, Uttarakhand with 560, and Maharashtra with 444. This ranking shows that Madhya Pradesh is leading in tiger conservation efforts shows the effectiveness of protection measures in that region compared to other states.

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. 

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