<p>At least 202 tigers died in the wild in India in 2023, with the western state of Maharashtra crossing the half-century mark for the first time. According to the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE)-2022, the country houses 3,682 big cats in total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death figure of 202 is for the period from January 1, 2023, to December 24 and has been revealed by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), a wildlife conservation organisation monitoring tiger and leopard deaths.</p>

<p>The biggest contribution came from Maharashtra where 52 tigers were reported dead in the year. The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh followed on second, with 47 deaths.</p>

<p>About half of the total deaths in Maharashtra were reported in two districts—Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.</p>

<h2><strong>Upward trend since 2012</strong></h2>

<p>The mortality figure for tigers in the country has seen an upward trend since 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The figure has risen from 96 deaths in 2019, 106 in 2020, 127 in 2021, and 121 in 2022 to 202 this year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: India is now home to 75% of the world's tiger</strong></p>

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<p>“Even as there is phenomenal growth in tiger numbers, an equal number of tigers have died in the last five years. Poaching and electrocution are two major causes of tiger deaths in Maharashtra,” Bandu Dhotre, ex-member of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), was quoted as saying by the Times of India.</p>

<h2><strong>Major reasons behind the death of big cats</strong></h2>

<p>According to media reports, organised gangs like Bawaria poachers from the north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have contributed significantly to the staggering death figure.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-houses-75-of-the-worlds-tigers-but-lets-not-get-fixated-on-the-numbers-620409"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Data Lab | India houses 75% of the world’s tigers, but let`s not get fixated on numbers</strong></a></p>

<p>Out of 202 deaths, 147 came from natural causes while 55 occurred due to poaching and body parts seizures.</p>

<h2><strong>Leopards are dying too</strong></h2>

<p>According to WPSI, the number of leopard deaths in the country has also seen a rapid rise.</p>

<p>At least 544 leopards were reported dead from January 1 to December 24 this year.</p>

<p>Out of 544, 152 leopards were killed by poachers.</p>

<h2><strong>‘No cause for worry’</strong></h2>

<p>Experts believe that there is no cause for worry as long as the tiger population is increasing.</p>

<p>“Tiger population has gone up rapidly. The average age in the wild is only 10-12 years and 50% neo-natal mortality in tigers is common. As long as a 6% population increase per year is registered, there is no cause for worry. Maximum number of deaths have been reported in states that have high number of tigers,” SP Yadav, additional director general of forests (Project Tiger) and NTCA member-secretary, was quoted as saying by the TOI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 202 tigers died in the wild in India in 2023, with the western state of Maharashtra crossing the half-century mark for the first time. According to the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE)-2022, the country houses 3,682 big cats in total.

At least 202 tigers died in the wild in India in 2023, with the western state of Maharashtra crossing the half-century mark for the first time. According to the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE)-2022, the country houses 3,682 big cats in total. The death figure of 202 is for the period from January 1, 2023, to December 24 and has been revealed by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), a wildlife conservation organisation monitoring tiger and leopard deaths. The biggest contribution came from Maharashtra where 52 tigers were reported dead in the year. The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh followed on second, with 47 deaths. About half of the total deaths in Maharashtra were reported in two districts—Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. Upward trend since 2012 The mortality figure for tigers in the country has seen an upward trend since 2012. The figure has risen from 96 deaths in 2019, 106 in 2020, 127 in 2021, and 121 in 2022 to 202 this year. Watch: Gravitas: India is now home to 75% of the world's tiger × “Even as there is phenomenal growth in tiger numbers, an equal number of tigers have died in the last five years. Poaching and electrocution are two major causes of tiger deaths in Maharashtra,” Bandu Dhotre, ex-member of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), was quoted as saying by the Times of India. Major reasons behind the death of big cats According to media reports, organised gangs like Bawaria poachers from the north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have contributed significantly to the staggering death figure. Also read: Data Lab | India houses 75% of the world’s tigers, but let`s not get fixated on numbers Out of 202 deaths, 147 came from natural causes while 55 occurred due to poaching and body parts seizures. Leopards are dying too According to WPSI, the number of leopard deaths in the country has also seen a rapid rise. At least 544 leopards were reported dead from January 1 to December 24 this year. Out of 544, 152 leopards were killed by poachers. ‘No cause for worry’ Experts believe that there is no cause for worry as long as the tiger population is increasing. “Tiger population has gone up rapidly. The average age in the wild is only 10-12 years and 50% neo-natal mortality in tigers is common. As long as a 6% population increase per year is registered, there is no cause for worry. Maximum number of deaths have been reported in states that have high number of tigers,” SP Yadav, additional director general of forests (Project Tiger) and NTCA member-secretary, was quoted as saying by the TOI. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 202 tigers, 544 leopards died in 2023, marking highest rise in decade

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on Sunday (April 9), which revealed that the population of big cats in India was 3,167 in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The growth is significant as the data revealed that the population of tigers in India stood at 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister also launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which will focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world, including tiger and lion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also released a booklet "Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision", which presented the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years, at the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of 'Project Tiger'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister also said that the protection of wildlife was a universal issue, adding that IBCA was India's endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Project Tiger leads the way in protection and conservation of the big cats. <a href="https://t.co/53B9nwsNkt">https://t.co/53B9nwsNkt</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1644966088357343232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful transcontinental translocation of the big cat," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further added that in order to have thriving wildlife, it is extremely essential for ecosystems to thrive and noted that this has been happening in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India is a country where protecting nature is part of the culture. We do not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to coexistence between the two," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on Sunday (April 9), which revealed that the population of big cats in India was 3,167 in 2022.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on Sunday (April 9), which revealed that the population of big cats in India was 3,167 in 2022. The growth is significant as the data revealed that the population of tigers in India stood at 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022. The prime minister also launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which will focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world, including tiger and lion. PM Modi also released a booklet "Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision", which presented the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years, at the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of 'Project Tiger'. The Indian prime minister also said that the protection of wildlife was a universal issue, adding that IBCA was India's endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats. Project Tiger leads the way in protection and conservation of the big cats. https://t.co/53B9nwsNkt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2023 × "Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful transcontinental translocation of the big cat," Modi said. He further added that in order to have thriving wildlife, it is extremely essential for ecosystems to thrive and noted that this has been happening in India. "India is a country where protecting nature is part of the culture. We do not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to coexistence between the two," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tiger census reveals India has 3,167 tigers, PM Modi releases data

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidLZrcQcfh0C6s" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Following the massive success of 'Project Tiger' in India which has seen an exponential rise in the numbers of big cats, the Centre is mulling translocating a few of these majestic animals to Cambodia where it&nbsp;has become extinct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cambodia last reported the sighting of a tiger in 2007 when it was caught on a jungle camera trap. After India successfully translocated a batch of African cheetahs last September, a&nbsp;memorandum of understanding was also signed with Cambodia in November to assist with the reintroduction of tigers in the Southeast Asian nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The translocation of our tigers to Cambodia is under consideration. This has never been done in India before, although we have been translocating tigers within the country as and when it has been required," said&nbsp;S P Yadav,&nbsp;member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, referring to the translocation of tigers from Corbett (Uttarakhand) to Rajaji National Park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ve sent a delegation there [Cambodia], they’ve sent a delegation here. We are examining the situation in Cambodia to see if tiger translocation can be done."</p>

<p>The officer added that in order to make the translocation possible, the authorities are studying if the factors that led to the extinction of tigers in the first place were resolved or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Next month will mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger which began in 1973 at the Corbett national park. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend a conference in Mysore and laud the efforts of wildlife conservation activists and officials involved whilst releasing tiger census data for 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-india-is-saving-the-tigers-401597"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: How India is saving the tigers</strong></a></p>

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<p>Considering the six per cent annual growth observed in the population of tigers in the last few years, some experts say that it cannot be ruled out that the numbers may have swelled past 3,500, according to 2022 Tiger census findings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-indian-state-is-opening-up-another-sanctuary-for-asiatic-lions-as-numbers-grow-exponentially-572574" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | This Indian state is opening up another sanctuary for Asiatic lions as numbers grow exponentially</strong></a></p>

<p>After India reached an alarming level of only 1,411 big cats in 2006, following the vanishing of tigers in the Sariska reserve in the northern&nbsp;Indian state of Rajasthan, successive governments stepped up the protection programmes,&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, a significant improvement has been observed&nbsp;and currently, India harbours 70 per cent of the global population of tigers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Following the massive success of 'Project Tiger' in India which has seen an exponential rise in the numbers of big cats, the Centre is mulling translocating a few of these majestic animals to Cambodia where it has become extinct.

Following the massive success of 'Project Tiger' in India which has seen an exponential rise in the numbers of big cats, the Centre is mulling translocating a few of these majestic animals to Cambodia where it has become extinct. Cambodia last reported the sighting of a tiger in 2007 when it was caught on a jungle camera trap. After India successfully translocated a batch of African cheetahs last September, a memorandum of understanding was also signed with Cambodia in November to assist with the reintroduction of tigers in the Southeast Asian nation. “The translocation of our tigers to Cambodia is under consideration. This has never been done in India before, although we have been translocating tigers within the country as and when it has been required," said S P Yadav, member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, referring to the translocation of tigers from Corbett (Uttarakhand) to Rajaji National Park. “We’ve sent a delegation there [Cambodia], they’ve sent a delegation here. We are examining the situation in Cambodia to see if tiger translocation can be done." The officer added that in order to make the translocation possible, the authorities are studying if the factors that led to the extinction of tigers in the first place were resolved or not. Next month will mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger which began in 1973 at the Corbett national park. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend a conference in Mysore and laud the efforts of wildlife conservation activists and officials involved whilst releasing tiger census data for 2022. WATCH | Gravitas: How India is saving the tigers × Considering the six per cent annual growth observed in the population of tigers in the last few years, some experts say that it cannot be ruled out that the numbers may have swelled past 3,500, according to 2022 Tiger census findings. ALSO READ | This Indian state is opening up another sanctuary for Asiatic lions as numbers grow exponentially After India reached an alarming level of only 1,411 big cats in 2006, following the vanishing of tigers in the Sariska reserve in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, successive governments stepped up the protection programmes, Since then, a significant improvement has been observed and currently, India harbours 70 per cent of the global population of tigers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India considering translocating few tigers to Cambodia

On the eve of World Tiger Day, India says 70% of the world's tigers roam and roar in its forests. It's a bittersweet statistic. Tigers are vanishing in other habitats. So, how is India succeeding in keeping its tigers safe?

Gravitas: India's success story in Tiger conservation

<p>In July 2019 India had reasons to cheer after the Prime Minister announced the All India Tiger Estimation results of 2018. In four years, India had seen an increase of 700 of these big cats. But with the growth in tiger population, bigger challenges now face the forest departments. On October 13, a 4-day operation by the Karnataka Forest department led to the capture of a young tiger from around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The tiger had been tormenting villagers, by killing 2 people and over a dozen cattle. 6 veterinarians, multiple teams and forest department elephants identified the tiger using camera traps and pug marks and managed to tranquilise it. But while the department has been lauded for capturing the big cat, the problems are bigger than that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After India hit an all-time low of 1400 tiger in the 2006-2007 period, concerted efforts by conservation activists, forest departments and the government led to a healthy increase in big cat numbers. In 2014 India reported figures of 2226 and a 33% increase on that in 2018 with 2967 big cats. Tigers are extremely territorial animals and require an average of 10-12sqkm area, depending on the prey population. There are over 130 tigers in Bandipur Tiger Reserve that is spread across 912sqkm. With territories shrinking, the tigers are venturing into villages and hamlets.</p>

<p>'Man-animal conflict is a serious issue right now. Karnataka has been a successful state in the country with tiger numbers going up. A census report came this August. Every four years we see a 30% rise in Karnataka. With 524 tigers in Karnataka and forest areas largely remaining the same the issue(of man-animal conflict) is bound to exist. The tigers are safe inside and keep breeding. But the young tigers have to come out as stronger ones are inside and the young should find their own territory. Yes, there are issues of tigers spilling out. Though we have adjoining forest areas where the tiger can venture, every sanctuary has a saturation point and man-animal conflict is going to increase seriously in the future' says Sanjai Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Wildlife), Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joseph Hoover, a conservationist who was part of the tiger capture operation in Bandipur says villagers have reported multiple sightings of tigers in the last few months. 'At this point in time, there are far too many tigers in Bandipur and Nagarahole. These forest areas cannot hold that many tigers. This way we are seeing so many tigers come out of their territory because there is no space. A tiger that has already established territory will not let another tiger come in. In Nagarhole, problems are bigger than Bandipur. Tigers are venturing into hamlets and that is an issue. Every week we hear stories about tigers venturing into someone farm and this is becoming worrisome. Are we prepared to capture them? Do we have the right equipment? Are we mentally, physically and technologically prepared for it?' questions Hoover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is believed to be home to 60% of the global tiger population and Karnataka has the second-highest population in the country with 524 tigers. Villagers have also highlighted the worsening of the problem due to forest fires, that devoured close to 11,000 acres in Bandipur this year alone. 'I was there when the tiger was captured. Villagers came up to us and said another tiger and a cub were spotted in another area. How do you keep them inside the forest area? You cannot obviously keep everything fenced like how they have done in Kruger National Park. This is where the challenge lies. That is why we told the forest dept that we should be better prepared. We saw the on-ground realities. We knew the tiger was close by, but we couldn't identify where it was. Had we had the thermal imagery facility we could have identified where the tiger was and tranquilised it on the second day. Lack of equipment was the issue.' says Hoover</p>

<p>The change big cat behaviour has also been a cause of concern. Tigers are extremely shy animals and have traditionally known to stay away from human habitats. But the tiger that was captured was not only sighted frequently villagers in farms but had also killed two farmers. In one incident, it had stayed in the bushes near the deceased farmer, despite villagers creating a ruckus to chase it away. 'Tiger is a very shy animal but in this case, it was a very bold animal that could look into your eyes. It is a male in its prime and we don't know why it took to killing humans. One theory is when it was trying to kill the cattle the humans might have come in the way.' says Hoover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the forest department says that the situation is yet to reach alarming levels. While the man-eater's behaviour has been odd considering it is a young tiger that is uninjured, it could just be an aberration. 'The tiger still wants to live deep in the forest and live on natural prey. Bandipur has around 130 tigers, but only 1 tiger has shown this behaviour. But issues are there. As tiger numbers increase they need independent area and this problem will increase.' says Sanjai Mohan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 120 villages are in close proximity of the Bandipur forest area, but this is only in Karnataka. Bandipur is adjoined by BTR Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole, Madumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad that form the Nilgiri Ecosphere with a dense population of the big cats. So what is the solution to the issue? The National Tiger Conservation Authority has repeatedly asked for buffer zones to be increased, but state governments have not made any real progress on that front. 'As far as tigers are concerned, the barricades are unable to stop them. But right now the situation is not alarming. But in the future when the situation worsens we have to see. The way forward is to have many rescue centres, where the captured tigers can feel at home. In a zoo, it is confined to a very small place. It is better to have areas in the forests that can be earmarked and fenced where we can place tigers exhibiting such behaviour.' says Sanjai Mohan.</p>


In July 2019 India had reasons to cheer after the Prime Minister announced the All India Tiger Estimation results of 2018. In four years, India had seen an increase of 700 of these big cats.

In July 2019 India had reasons to cheer after the Prime Minister announced the All India Tiger Estimation results of 2018. In four years, India had seen an increase of 700 of these big cats. But with the growth in tiger population, bigger challenges now face the forest departments. On October 13, a 4-day operation by the Karnataka Forest department led to the capture of a young tiger from around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The tiger had been tormenting villagers, by killing 2 people and over a dozen cattle. 6 veterinarians, multiple teams and forest department elephants identified the tiger using camera traps and pug marks and managed to tranquilise it. But while the department has been lauded for capturing the big cat, the problems are bigger than that. After India hit an all-time low of 1400 tiger in the 2006-2007 period, concerted efforts by conservation activists, forest departments and the government led to a healthy increase in big cat numbers. In 2014 India reported figures of 2226 and a 33% increase on that in 2018 with 2967 big cats. Tigers are extremely territorial animals and require an average of 10-12sqkm area, depending on the prey population. There are over 130 tigers in Bandipur Tiger Reserve that is spread across 912sqkm. With territories shrinking, the tigers are venturing into villages and hamlets. 'Man-animal conflict is a serious issue right now. Karnataka has been a successful state in the country with tiger numbers going up. A census report came this August. Every four years we see a 30% rise in Karnataka. With 524 tigers in Karnataka and forest areas largely remaining the same the issue(of man-animal conflict) is bound to exist. The tigers are safe inside and keep breeding. But the young tigers have to come out as stronger ones are inside and the young should find their own territory. Yes, there are issues of tigers spilling out. Though we have adjoining forest areas where the tiger can venture, every sanctuary has a saturation point and man-animal conflict is going to increase seriously in the future' says Sanjai Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Wildlife), Karnataka. Joseph Hoover, a conservationist who was part of the tiger capture operation in Bandipur says villagers have reported multiple sightings of tigers in the last few months. 'At this point in time, there are far too many tigers in Bandipur and Nagarahole. These forest areas cannot hold that many tigers. This way we are seeing so many tigers come out of their territory because there is no space. A tiger that has already established territory will not let another tiger come in. In Nagarhole, problems are bigger than Bandipur. Tigers are venturing into hamlets and that is an issue. Every week we hear stories about tigers venturing into someone farm and this is becoming worrisome. Are we prepared to capture them? Do we have the right equipment? Are we mentally, physically and technologically prepared for it?' questions Hoover. India is believed to be home to 60% of the global tiger population and Karnataka has the second-highest population in the country with 524 tigers. Villagers have also highlighted the worsening of the problem due to forest fires, that devoured close to 11,000 acres in Bandipur this year alone. 'I was there when the tiger was captured. Villagers came up to us and said another tiger and a cub were spotted in another area. How do you keep them inside the forest area? You cannot obviously keep everything fenced like how they have done in Kruger National Park. This is where the challenge lies. That is why we told the forest dept that we should be better prepared. We saw the on-ground realities. We knew the tiger was close by, but we couldn't identify where it was. Had we had the thermal imagery facility we could have identified where the tiger was and tranquilised it on the second day. Lack of equipment was the issue.' says Hoover The change big cat behaviour has also been a cause of concern. Tigers are extremely shy animals and have traditionally known to stay away from human habitats. But the tiger that was captured was not only sighted frequently villagers in farms but had also killed two farmers. In one incident, it had stayed in the bushes near the deceased farmer, despite villagers creating a ruckus to chase it away. 'Tiger is a very shy animal but in this case, it was a very bold animal that could look into your eyes. It is a male in its prime and we don't know why it took to killing humans. One theory is when it was trying to kill the cattle the humans might have come in the way.' says Hoover. But the forest department says that the situation is yet to reach alarming levels. While the man-eater's behaviour has been odd considering it is a young tiger that is uninjured, it could just be an aberration. 'The tiger still wants to live deep in the forest and live on natural prey. Bandipur has around 130 tigers, but only 1 tiger has shown this behaviour. But issues are there. As tiger numbers increase they need independent area and this problem will increase.' says Sanjai Mohan. Over 120 villages are in close proximity of the Bandipur forest area, but this is only in Karnataka. Bandipur is adjoined by BTR Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole, Madumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad that form the Nilgiri Ecosphere with a dense population of the big cats. So what is the solution to the issue? The National Tiger Conservation Authority has repeatedly asked for buffer zones to be increased, but state governments have not made any real progress on that front. 'As far as tigers are concerned, the barricades are unable to stop them. But right now the situation is not alarming. But in the future when the situation worsens we have to see. The way forward is to have many rescue centres, where the captured tigers can feel at home. In a zoo, it is confined to a very small place. It is better to have areas in the forests that can be earmarked and fenced where we can place tigers exhibiting such behaviour.' says Sanjai Mohan.

Growing tiger numbers leads to big cats spilling out of forests in Karnataka

<p>The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 and by this India has achieved the target of doubling the wild cat's population four years ahead of the deadline.</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526, followed by Karnataka at 524, and Uttarakhand at the third position with 442 tigers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation in New Delhi. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It is believed some 40,000 tigers lived in India at the time of independence from Britain in 1947. But by 2006 it reached its lowest-recorded figure of 1,411. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Estimation of Tigers was a mammoth exercise :<br />
<br />
1. Survey of 3.8 lakh sqaure Km<br />
2. Authorities on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square km<br />
3. 26 K camera traps<br />
4. 3.5 lakh images were taken out of which 76 K captured Tigers<br />
<br />
Union Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashJavdekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrakashJavdekar</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalTigerDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalTigerDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/KBZ5g8idlQ">pic.twitter.com/KBZ5g8idlQ</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1155753546874142720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In 2010, it was decided in St Petersburg that the target of doubling the tiger population would be 2022. But following conservation efforts, India has completed this target four years early. But the estimation of tigers was a mammoth exercise for forest and wildlife officers of India.</p>

<p>The massive surveys are conducted every four years, with the latest census spanning 15 months and using 26,000 camera traps that took almost 350,000 images (out of which 76,000 captured Tigers) &nbsp;across known tiger habitats, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at the census release.</p>

<p>Authorities from on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square kilometres to complete the survey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images that showed the big cats were analysed using computer programmes to individually identify each creature. Wildlife and forestry officials also scoured 380,000 square kilometres of terrain.</p>

<p>While releasing the report, PM Modi said that with almost 3000 tigers, India has become one of the biggest and most secure habitats. PM Modi further said that it was a moment of pride for the country as it achieved its commitment to the St Petersburg Declaration, of doubling tiger population, much before the 2022 deadline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em></p>


The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 and by this India has achieved the target of doubling the wild cat's population four years ahead of the deadline.

The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 and by this India has achieved the target of doubling the wild cat's population four years ahead of the deadline. Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526, followed by Karnataka at 524, and Uttarakhand at the third position with 442 tigers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation in New Delhi. It is believed some 40,000 tigers lived in India at the time of independence from Britain in 1947. But by 2006 it reached its lowest-recorded figure of 1,411. Estimation of Tigers was a mammoth exercise : 1. Survey of 3.8 lakh sqaure Km 2. Authorities on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square km 3. 26 K camera traps 4. 3.5 lakh images were taken out of which 76 K captured Tigers Union Minister @PrakashJavdekar #InternationalTigerDay pic.twitter.com/KBZ5g8idlQ — PIB India (@PIB_India) July 29, 2019 × In 2010, it was decided in St Petersburg that the target of doubling the tiger population would be 2022. But following conservation efforts, India has completed this target four years early. But the estimation of tigers was a mammoth exercise for forest and wildlife officers of India. The massive surveys are conducted every four years, with the latest census spanning 15 months and using 26,000 camera traps that took almost 350,000 images (out of which 76,000 captured Tigers) across known tiger habitats, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at the census release. Authorities from on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square kilometres to complete the survey. Images that showed the big cats were analysed using computer programmes to individually identify each creature. Wildlife and forestry officials also scoured 380,000 square kilometres of terrain. While releasing the report, PM Modi said that with almost 3000 tigers, India has become one of the biggest and most secure habitats. PM Modi further said that it was a moment of pride for the country as it achieved its commitment to the St Petersburg Declaration, of doubling tiger population, much before the 2022 deadline. (With inputs from ANI)

How the mammoth tiger census exercise was carried out

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