India’s Tiger Population Doubles Since 2006, Reaches 3,682 in 2022

India’s tiger population has grown remarkably, reaching 3,682 in 2022 from 1,411 in 2006, doubling in just over 15 years. The rise reflects a significant annual increase of 6% in consistently monitored areas, with numbers rising from 2,967 in 2018. This achievement has been driven by focused conservation efforts under Project Tiger and measures implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Parliament was informed.

Regional Tiger Population Trends

Central Indian and Eastern Ghats Landscapes: Increased from 1,033 in 2018 to 1,439 in 2022, including significant growth in Madhya Pradesh (526 to 785) and Maharashtra (312 to 444). However, declines were noted in Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

Shivalik-Gangetic Plains: Numbers rose from 646 to 819, with Uttarakhand contributing 442 to 560.

Sundarbans: Marginal growth, with numbers rising from 88 to 101.

Northeastern Decline: Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a drop from 29 to 9 tigers.

Conservation Strategies

The NTCA’s initiatives include:

1. Material and Logistical Support: Enhancing capacity and infrastructure in tiger reserves.
2. Restricting Habitat Interventions: Limiting activities in core areas to balance tiger carrying capacity and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Issued for managing dispersing tigers, livestock conflicts, and relocation to low-density areas to ensure sustainable habitats.

Project Tiger and Legislative Backing

Under Project Tiger, funds are allocated based on Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), mandated by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These plans guide habitat improvements, dispersal facilitation, and man-animal conflict minimization.

National Animal Status

Tigers, designated as India’s National Animal, are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring the highest degree of protection. Their critical habitats have been declared as Protected Areas, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to their conservation.

Summary of the news