Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Reports Growth

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Assam has achieved a significant milestone by recording the third-highest tiger density in India, surpassing the national averages and reflecting concerted conservation efforts. The findings were released by Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Global Tiger Day, July 29, 2025.

Key highlights of the report include:

• Tiger Population: A total of 148 tigers have been documented within KTR, which spans an area of 1,307.49 square kilometers. This represents a remarkable increase from 104 tigers in 2022.
• Methodology: The increase in tiger numbers is attributed to the inaugural sampling of the Biswanath Wildlife Division, which accounted for 27 tigers. The tiger census conducted between December 2023 and April 2024 utilized camera traps following protocols set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India.
• Density Comparison: KTR now has a density of 18.65 tigers per 100 square kilometers, trailing behind Karnataka's Bandipur (19.83 tigers/100 sq. km in 1,456 sq. km) and Uttarakhand's Corbett National Park (19.56 tigers/100 sq. km in 1,288 sq. km).
• Comprehensive Survey: The survey's rigorous methodology included a total of 13,157 trap nights resulting in 4,011 tiger images and confirmed the presence of 148 adult tigers categorized as 83 females, 55 males, and 10 of undetermined gender.
• Factors for Population Growth: The increase in the tiger population has been linked to expanded habitats and effective protective measures, with approximately 200 square kilometers of new area designated as tiger habitat, which includes encroachment-free zones under the Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries.
• Historical Context: The initial tiger census in Kaziranga in 1997 recorded 80 tigers, with gradual increases leading to 121 in 2019, followed by a temporary decrease to 104 in 2022, before witnessing the latest upswing.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that Assam is not only focused on conserving tigers but also on reclaiming and restoring their natural habitats, alongside efforts against encroachment. He articulated that these advancements position Assam as a key player in global tiger conservation, reiterating the importance of extensive forest cover and proactive management in ensuring the wellbeing of the tiger population.

In the context of global wildlife conservation initiatives, the achievements of KTR contribute to broader goals set by programs like the Global Tiger Recovery Programme, which aims to double the global tiger population by 2022.

Important Points:

• Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) now has the third-highest tiger density in India.
• The current tiger population recorded is 148 as of 2024, increasing from 104 in 2022.
• The survey followed NTCA guidelines and utilized advanced camera trap methods.
• KTR has a density of 18.65 tigers per 100 sq. km.
• Key factors for the rise in tiger population include habitat expansion and protection efforts.
• Historical counts show KTR had 80 tigers in 1997, with notable fluctuations in subsequent years.
• The state has expanded conservation efforts beyond tigers to enhance overall ecological health.