Tiger Census 2023: 33% Increase in Tiger Population in the Country

PM Narendra Modi on Sunday during the launch of International Big Cat Alliance in Mysuru to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, released the results of the Tiger Census. Seven of the world's largest big cats—tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars, and cheetahs—will be the subject of the three-day conference, which will emphasize their preservation and conservation.

In a bid to conserve the majestic tigers, India conducted its latest tiger census in 2023, which revealed a positive outcome. The tiger population in the country has increased by 33% in the last four years, according to the latest tiger census report released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on Friday.

Tiger Census: Figures

The tiger census, which is conducted every four years, is the most extensive wildlife survey in the world. The latest census covered 381,400 square kilometers of forested habitats in the country, including tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected areas. The survey involved the use of camera traps, DNA analysis, and a sophisticated statistical model to estimate the tiger population.

According to the census report, the tiger population in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,950 in 2023. This marks a significant increase of 983 tigers or 33% in just four years. The report also revealed that India now accounts for 77% of the global tiger population, which stands at around 5,100 tigers.

Reasons for the Thriving Population

The increase in tiger numbers can be attributed to several factors, including better management of tiger habitats, increased protection measures, and community involvement in tiger conservation. The Indian government has also implemented various initiatives such as the 'Project Tiger' to improve tiger conservation efforts in the country. The project has played a vital role in the recovery of the tiger population by providing funds for habitat improvement, anti-poaching activities, and awareness campaigns.

The tiger census report also highlighted the success of several tiger reserves in the country. Madhya Pradesh, which is known as the 'Tiger State' of India, recorded the highest number of tigers, with 751 individuals. Karnataka followed closely with 534 tigers, while Uttarakhand recorded 442 tigers. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also recorded significant increases in tiger numbers, with 319 and 312 tigers, respectively.

Tiger Habitats Still Under Threat

The report, however, also revealed that some tiger habitats are still under threat due to human activities such as poaching, habitat loss, and fragmentation. The census revealed that 38% of the tiger habitats in the country are under high or very high threat, with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand recording the highest threat levels.

The census report also highlighted the need for better monitoring and management of tiger habitats to ensure their long-term survival. It emphasized the need for better collaboration between forest departments, local communities, and other stakeholders to implement effective conservation measures.

Lauded by Experts

Commenting on the census report, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, said, "The increase in tiger numbers is a significant achievement for India, and we should all be proud of it. However, we cannot rest on our laurels. We must continue to work towards better tiger conservation, which is essential for the survival of the species and the health of our ecosystems."

The latest tiger census report has been lauded by conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts globally. The increase in tiger numbers is a significant step towards achieving the global target of doubling the tiger population by 2022, which was set at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010.

The tiger census report has also been hailed as a shining example of how effective conservation efforts can lead to positive outcomes for wildlife. It is hoped that the success of the Indian tiger census will inspire other countries to implement similar conservation measures to protect their wildlife.