India is home to a significant portion of the world’s wild tiger population, positioning the country at the center of global tiger conservation efforts. The presence of these large predators highlights the health of India’s diverse ecosystems, as tigers are considered an indicator species for forest well-being. Understanding their numbers and the methods used to count them provides insight into broader wildlife management strategies.
The Latest Tiger Count
The most recent official tiger census, conducted in 2022, estimated India’s tiger population at 3,682 individuals. This figure was released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), an organization responsible for tiger conservation in India. The count includes adult tigers and sub-adults. A minimum estimated population of 3,167 tigers was also identified.
Unveiling the Census Process
Counting tigers across India’s vast and varied landscapes is a large-scale scientific endeavor, conducted every four years. The primary method involves the Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES) approach, integrating technology and field surveys. A key component is camera trapping, where motion-sensor cameras are strategically placed in tiger habitats. Each tiger possesses a unique stripe pattern, similar to a human fingerprint, allowing individual identification from photographs.
Another technique employed, especially in areas with low tiger density or challenging terrain, is scat DNA analysis. Researchers collect tiger fecal samples, from which DNA is extracted. This DNA provides a unique genetic signature for individual identification. The 2022 census, for example, involved deploying 32,588 camera traps that captured over 47 million photographs.
Tiger Population Dynamics
India’s tiger population has experienced significant fluctuations over the past century. At the turn of the 20th century, estimates suggested a population ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 wild tigers. However, by the early 1970s, habitat loss and poaching led to a drastic decline, with numbers plummeting to approximately 1,820. This alarming reduction prompted concerted conservation efforts.
The subsequent censuses have documented a consistent recovery in tiger numbers. In 2006, the population was recorded at 1,411. This increased to 1,706 in 2010, then to 2,226 in 2014, and further to 2,967 in 2018. The latest 2022 count of 3,682 tigers signifies a continued upward trend, reflecting the positive impact of dedicated conservation programs and enhanced protection measures.
India’s Global Conservation Leadership
India plays a leading role in global tiger conservation, housing nearly 75% of the world’s wild tiger population. A cornerstone of these efforts is Project Tiger, launched in 1973 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This initiative aimed to safeguard tiger populations and their habitats through the establishment of dedicated tiger reserves. Project Tiger encompassed nine reserves, and it has since expanded significantly to include 58 protected areas designated as tiger reserves as of March 2025.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), established in 2005, oversees the administration and management of these reserves, providing crucial support for conservation activities. India’s sustained commitment to tiger protection not only benefits the species but also contributes to the ecological balance and biodiversity of its vast natural landscapes.