In a significant boost to India’s wildlife conservation efforts, the tiger population in Chhattisgarh’s Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) has doubled over the past seven years, according to a recent report jointly released by WWF India and the state forest department. The report, which used data from 2017 to 2024, confirms the presence of 10 resident tigers in 2024, up from just five in 2017.
This growth includes a healthy gender distribution—three male tigers and seven tigresses were photographed in 2024 marking the first time in 15 years that the reserve has achieved a balanced breeding-age population. “Conditions appear to be ripe for the population to grow steadily,” the report highlighted.
Prey Density and Habitat Restoration Fuel Growth
The report also attributes the upward trend in tiger numbers to a rise in prey population, particularly wild ungulates. Based on line transect data collected in 2019 and 2024, ungulate densities were found to be highest in the Achanakmar and Chhaparwa ranges zones frequently used by multiple tigers. In contrast, areas like Lamni and Surahi reported lower prey and tiger densities, suggesting potential zones for targeted conservation.
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“Ungulate densities were highest in the Achanakmar and Chapter ranges, which coincide with areas that have been constantly used by multiple tigers over the study period,” the report noted.
Recommendations for Future Conservation and Corridor Importance
WWF India has recommended the radio-collaring of tigers, especially breeding females and dispersal-age animals, to better understand foraging patterns and habitat use. These insights will aid in refining conservation strategies and adaptive management.
Recognising the importance of the Kanha-Achanakmar and Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar corridors, the report urged continuous protection and co-management by the Forest Department, local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, particularly within Community Forest Resources Rights (CFRR) areas under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Nationwide Habitat Restoration Initiative Launched on Global Tiger Day
Marking Global Tiger Day, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched a nationwide tree plantation drive aimed at restoring degraded habitats across India’s 58 tiger reserves. Each reserve will plant 2,000 saplings of native species, with over 1 lakh saplings expected to be planted in total. The event also saw the inauguration of forest nurseries across three Aravalli locations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ecological restoration.
