Tiger population increases in Similipal Tiger Reserve
Odisha: Odisha’s tiger population has increased. According to the Forest Department, Similipal Tiger Reserve documented 32 individual tigers in its latest internal assessment,
compared to 27 recorded last year. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha said these numbers come from routine internal assessments conducted periodically between national estimates. He said camera traps installed in different zones have identified the distinctive stripe patterns of 32 tigers. He also confirmed the presence of nine cubs found during a camera-trap survey conducted two months ago.
Growth before the National Census Report
PCCF Jha said, “In addition to the annual census data, we also conduct an internal census every one or two months. We have installed camera traps and, based on the data received so far, have recorded 32 individual tigers.”
He further stated that the report on the countrywide tiger estimation under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will be published in June next year, and the internal data will be submitted for further validation after the central audit is completed.
Similipal is currently undergoing a multi-stage tiger census.
The increase in tiger numbers coincides with fieldwork for the 2025 NTCA Tiger Census, which began in Similipal on November 16.
The work is being conducted in two phases and includes mapping prey density, tracking tiger movements, and installing large camera-trap grids.
In the first phase, 103 trained forest staff have been deployed at 103 beat locations in southern Similipal, areas identified as active tiger corridors. Teams are documenting footprints, scratches, scat, and other indirect signs, and recording all observations using a mobile application linked to the National Register of Citizens (NTCA). Carnivorous Animal Counting Using 1,500 Cameras
The second phase of the census, starting December 1st, will determine the number of carnivorous animals, including tigers, leopards, and small cats.
Approximately 1,500 camera traps will be installed to capture movement patterns, activity in the area, and distinctive identification marks. Cameras will be deployed over several weeks to ensure complete coverage of the core and buffer zones. Forest officials will examine the footage to match stripe patterns and confirm the presence of each tiger with geo-tagged evidence.
The Forest Department has not yet released final validated figures, and internal data will be reviewed along with the NTCA’s nationwide report due in June.
