The All-India Tiger Census has officially begun across wildlife reserves and forested regions throughout the country, marking the first nationwide tiger population assessment in four years. Conducted under the supervision of wildlife authorities, the census is a key conservation exercise aimed at estimating the number of tigers in India and evaluating the effectiveness of protection measures.
The census is being carried out in all tiger reserves, national parks, and selected forest landscapes known to support tiger populations. Forest departments from various states are participating in the operation, following standard protocols developed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in collaboration with wildlife research institutions.
Officials said the exercise involves extensive fieldwork, including the deployment of camera traps across forest corridors and core habitats. These cameras capture images of tigers, allowing researchers to identify individual animals based on unique stripe patterns. Field staff are also recording indirect signs such as pugmarks, scat, and scratch marks to gather additional data on tiger presence and movement.
In addition to population estimation, the census aims to assess habitat quality, prey availability, and human pressures in and around tiger habitats. Data collected during the exercise will provide insights into the health of ecosystems and help identify areas that require enhanced protection or habitat restoration.
The last nationwide tiger census was conducted four years ago, and officials said the current exercise is essential to track long-term population trends. Regular monitoring helps authorities understand whether conservation strategies are delivering positive outcomes and where corrective measures may be needed.
Technology continues to play an important role in the census. Along with camera traps, officials are using geographic information systems and data management tools to ensure accuracy and transparency. The collected information will be analysed centrally to prepare a comprehensive report on the status of tigers in India.
Conservation experts have emphasised that the tiger census is not only about numbers but also about understanding broader environmental challenges. Tigers are considered indicator species, and their population trends reflect the overall health of forest ecosystems. Protecting tiger habitats also benefits a wide range of wildlife and supports ecological balance.
Forest officials have appealed for public cooperation during the census period, especially in areas near protected forests. Movement restrictions may be imposed in certain zones to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife during data collection.
The findings of the census are expected to be released after thorough analysis, providing updated figures that will guide future conservation policies. Authorities said the results will help strengthen India’s commitment to wildlife protection and sustainable forest management.
