India is home to the majority of the world’s wild tiger population, making it a significant region for the species’ continued existence. The tiger holds a special place in India’s cultural heritage, recognized as the national animal, symbolizing strength and wilderness. India’s diverse landscapes provide suitable environments for these large felines to thrive.
Tiger Population and Distribution
The most recent official tiger census, conducted in 2022, estimated the population in India to be between 3,167 and 3,925 individuals, with an average of 3,682 tigers. This represents an increase from the 2,967 tigers recorded in the 2018 census, demonstrating a consistent growth trend. The country accounts for over 66% of the global wild tiger population.
Tigers are not evenly distributed across India; instead, their populations are concentrated in various states. Madhya Pradesh currently leads with the highest number, recording 785 tigers. Karnataka follows with 563 tigers, while Uttarakhand is home to 560 individuals. Maharashtra also hosts a significant population, with 444 tigers, indicating successful conservation measures in these regions.
Key Tiger Habitats and National Parks
India’s varied terrain offers several distinct habitats that support its tiger populations, many of which are protected within national parks and tiger reserves. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, situated at the confluence of the Aravali and Vindhyan hill ranges, is characterized by its dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and numerous water bodies. The relatively open landscape here often allows for clear sightings of tigers amidst ancient ruins, adding a unique historical backdrop to the wildlife experience.
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is India’s oldest national park and an early participant in tiger conservation. This reserve encompasses grasslands, riverine areas, and dense Sal forests, providing a rich prey base and secure breeding grounds. With approximately 260 tigers, it maintains one of the highest tiger densities among Indian protected areas.
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, situated between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges, is known for its high tiger density. Its habitat includes tropical moist deciduous forests, bamboo thickets, hills, and perennial streams. The park’s varied topography and rich prey availability contribute to a robust tiger population.
Kanha National Park, also in Madhya Pradesh within the Maikal ranges, is recognized for its extensive grasslands and dense Sal forests. The park’s well-managed ecosystem supports a large herbivore population, including the hard ground barasingha, which sustains a healthy tiger population. Kanha’s dedication to habitat restoration and prey management makes it a strong tiger habitat.
Conservation Efforts and Current Status
India’s commitment to tiger conservation is shown through “Project Tiger,” a major program launched in 1973 by the Government of India. Its goal was to protect Bengal tigers and their habitats by establishing dedicated reserves across the country. The program aimed to ensure a viable tiger population and preserve ecologically significant areas.
Project Tiger’s objectives include safeguarding tiger habitats, implementing anti-poaching measures, and fostering ecological development for local communities near tiger reserves. The program began with nine designated reserves and has since expanded to include 58 protected areas, significantly contributing to the species’ recovery. Through consistent efforts, the tiger population has shown a comeback from historic lows.
Despite these successes, the tiger (Panthera tigris) remains listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Ongoing threats challenge their survival, including poaching driven by the illegal trade in tiger body parts and fur. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, largely due to deforestation and human encroachment, also pose risks. Human-wildlife conflict, which arises when tigers prey on livestock, requires mitigation efforts for coexistence.