India’s estimated tiger population increases to 3,925 in All-India Tiger Estimation 2022
With 785 MP has highest tiger population followed by Karnataka with 563 and U’khand with 560
Sunday, 30 JULY 2023 | PNS | RAMNAGAR
The detailed report of All-India Tiger Estimation 2022 released on Global Tiger Day in Corbett Tiger Reserve here on Saturday shows that the upper limit of the tiger population is estimated to be 3,925 and the average number is 3,682 tigers, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.1 per cent per annum. The estimated tiger population in 2018 was 2,967. The figures are based on analysis of data done by the Wildlife Institute of India from both camera-trapped and non-camera-trapped tiger presence areas. The detailed report states that Central India and the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains witnessed a notable increase in tiger population, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. However, certain regions like the Western Ghats, experienced localised declines, necessitating targeted monitoring and conservation efforts. The largest tiger population of 785 is in Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560) and Maharashtra (444). The tiger abundance within the Tiger Reserve is highest in Corbett (260), followed by Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa (135), Mudumalai (114), Kanha (105), Kaziranga (104), Sundarbans (100), Tadoba (97), Sathyamangalam (85) and Pench-MP (77).
Some states, including Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa, Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh, have reported disquieting trends with small tiger populations. Various tiger reserves have shown remarkable growth, while others face challenges. Approximately 35 per cent of the tiger reserves urgently require enhanced protection measures, habitat restoration, ungulate augmentation and subsequent tiger reintroduction.
Speaking at the programme, Union minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey said that the completion of five decades of tiger conservation in India is full of achievements. Stating that India is home to more than 75 per cent of the global tiger population, he said that the Forest department has been equipped with latest equipment to tackle the challenges faced in tiger conservation but it needs to be empowered more. He said that efforts are underway to facilitate presentation of bravery medals to Forest department personnel by the President for courageous actions as done in the case of armed forces and police personnel.
Attending the event virtually, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that protection of forests and wildlife is an integral part of Uttarakhand’s culture and daily life. Referring to the increase in the tiger population in Uttarakhand from 442 in 2018 to 560 in 2022, he congratulated the people of the State and the Forest department. He said that the government will soon lay the foundation for a wildlife hospital in Haldwani.
Union minister of State Ajay Bhatt, officers from tiger range states, MoEFCC and National Tiger Conservation Authority were also present on the occasion.
