A new tiger census in Uttarakhand will commence in September 2025. The NTCA has already received camera trap and mobile data. The previous census counted 560 tigers; an increase is expected this time.
Uttarakhand Tiger Census: Uttarakhand anticipates another increase in its tiger population. The all-India tiger census, encompassing Uttarakhand and 17 other tiger-rich states, is scheduled to begin in September 2025. Preparations are underway. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has issued directives, requesting necessary data and information from all states. Uttarakhand has already submitted its camera trap and mobile data to the NTCA.
Uttarakhand Ranked Third with 560 Tigers
The last census, conducted in 2022, recorded 3,682 tigers nationwide. Madhya Pradesh topped the list with 785 tigers, followed by Karnataka with 563, and Uttarakhand with 560, placing it third. This year's census is expected to show a further increase in Uttarakhand's tiger population.
Corbett Tiger Reserve Ranks First Nationally
Uttarakhand's Corbett Tiger Reserve holds the highest tiger population among India's 53 tiger reserves. The 2022 report counted 260 tigers within the reserve. Twelve forest divisions in the state, including the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, have a tiger presence. The tiger population has steadily increased since 2006.
Camera Trap and Mobile Data Submitted to NTCA
This year's tiger census will again utilize advanced technology. The NTCA requested information from all states regarding camera traps deployed in tiger reserves and mobile phones used in the census. Uttarakhand has promptly provided this information. State-level nodal officers for the tiger census have also been appointed.
According to R.K. Mishra, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state, Vivek Pandey, APCCF, has been appointed as the nodal officer for the tiger census. Once the protocol is received from the NTCA, the process of training field staff, installing new camera traps, and taking other necessary steps will begin.
Increasing Tiger Population Presents New Challenges: Security and Conflict
The increase in the tiger population reflects the success of the state's wildlife conservation efforts, but also presents new challenges. The biggest concern is tiger security. Human-wildlife conflict incidents are also increasing, particularly in rural areas bordering the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Tiger attacks have been reported, causing fear among local residents.
Tiger Expansion into High Himalayan Regions
Significantly, Uttarakhand's tiger population is no longer confined to traditional areas. Recent camera trap surveys have recorded tiger presence in high Himalayan regions. This indicates that tigers are expanding beyond their traditional habitats. This shift may be attributed to factors such as climate change, forest conditions, and prey availability.
Further Preparations for the Census
Upon receiving the protocol from the NTCA, training for state-level census personnel will commence. They will be trained on setting camera traps, collecting data using mobile phones, and ensuring the smooth execution of the census. This tiger census will cover all areas in the state where tigers are likely to be present.
