Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand first with 319 tigers, Bandipur-191, Nagarahole-185

Mysore/Mysuru: The latest count of tigers in the All India Tiger Estimation Report-2022 positions Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves in the top league among 53 Tiger Reserves in the country, with an increase in the population of these majestic big cats.

According to the census, Bandipur has secured second place in the country and Nagarahole holds third place, after Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, which stands first in terms of the number of tigers.

The survey, conducted once every four years, was last held in the year 2018 when 2,967 tigers were counted. In the latest survey in 2022, as mentioned in the All India Tiger Estimation Report released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Project Tiger at the Convocation Hall of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru on Apr. 9, a total of 3,167 tigers were counted.

However, the report released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) a couple of days back states that there are 3,682 tigers in the country, making India the focus of global attention for tiger conservation.

Out of the total tiger population in Tiger Reserves in the country, Jim Corbett National Park has 319 tigers, Bandipur, the first tiger reserve in Karnataka, has 191 tigers, Nagarahole has 185 tigers, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu has 167 tigers, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh has 165 tigers, and Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh has 153 tigers.

Meanwhile, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh and Dampa Tiger Reserve and Sanctuary in Mizoram have reported zero tiger sightings.

Looking at the five Tiger Reserves in Karnataka, Bandipur boasts the highest number of tigers, securing first place. Moreover, Bandipur Tiger Reserve has gained national attention, especially after the visit of PM Narendra Modi.

The successful conservation efforts and effective management have brought laurels to Bandipur, which spans over an area of 1,036 square kilometres comprising three sub-divisions, namely Bandipur, Gundlupet and Hediyala, and 13 ranges, namely Bandipura, Gopalaswamy Hil, Moolehole, Gundlupet, Maddur, Omkar, Kundakere, Hediyala, Nugu, Moleyur, Kalkere, N. Begur, and Gundre.

The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve has also achieved significant recognition, comprising Mysuru and Kodagu districts, with a total of 185 tigers, securing second place in the State and third in the country. Nagarahole spread over an extent of 843 square kilometres, is split into eight ranges, namely Nagarahole, Kallalla, Anechowkur, Hunsur, Veeranahosahalli, Metikuppe, Antharasanthe and D. B. Kuppe.

Being a dense forest area, Nagarahole also boasts of Kabini backwaters and frequent sightings of black leopards and elephant herds, delighting shutterbugs during safaris.

“The tiger census report is released, and 191 tigers are found in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. We are at the forefront due to stringent measures and cooperation of the personnel,” said Dr. P. Ramesh Kumar, Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav tweeted in appreciation for saving the life of an electrocuted elephant (in Bandipur). Now, Bandipur has earned recognition for the significant achievement made in having the highest number of tigers,” he added.

Tiger Trail

• Bandipur Tiger Reserve – 191      (150 on camera trap)
• Nagarahole Tiger Reserve – 185  (141 on camera trap)
• Biligiriranganatha Tiger Reserve – 60         (37 on camera trap)
• Bhadra Tiger Reserve – 44             (28 on camera trap)
• Kali Tiger Reserve – 29    (17 on camera trap)