(TAN): If you are the kind of tourist who has been on umpteen safaris and trails to catch a glimpse of the elusive ‘big cat’, you might be in luck the next time. Because according to the latest tiger survey by the Indian government, the country has witnessed a jump in tiger population between 2014 and 2018.
While the census results were declared last year, the tiger survey has now made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest on-camera wildlife survey globally. The “Status of Tigers in India – 2018” estimates that India’s tiger count had gone up from 2,226 to 2,927 (including tiger cubs) in four years.
Sharing the news, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted, “India’s 2018 Tiger Census makes it to Guinness Book of World Record.” The assessment that was carried out in three different phases has been termed as the “most comprehensive” by the Guinness Book of World Records.
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Apart from the rise in numbers, the tiger survey also detected the presence of the big cats in forests across 20 Indian states. While Madhya Pradesh had the most number of tigers, Karnataka and Uttarakhand came next, with the three states being home to a total of 1,492 tigers.
Camera traps (outdoor photographic devices fitted with motion sensors that start recording when an animal passes by) surveyed an area of 121,337 square kilometres (46,848 square miles). These were placed in 26,838 locations across 141 different sites. A total of 34,858,623 photographs of wildlife were captured on these cameras. While 76,651 photographs were of tigers, 51,777 were of leopards, and the rest were of other animals. A “stripe-pattern-recognition software” was then used to identify 2,461 individual adult tigers in these photographs.
Although the tiger survey has given wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists and the government much to celebrate about, more needs to be done to protect India’s tiger population. While corridors that connect tiger habitats in the wild need to be improved, additional measures to minimise poaching have to be undertaken.
Since, tigers inhabit various geographical expanses around the country, the survey had to be divided into five major areas: Shivalik-Gangetic plains, Central India and Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains and the Sundarbans.
10 Top Tiger Sighting Spots in India
India has witnessed a growth in wildlife-related tourism over the past few years. With growing interest in wildlife photography and rising tiger count, jungle safaris are set to become even more popular in India. The boost to the local economy that wildlife tourism can bring after COVID-19, will also be a welcome relief.
The rise in tiger numbers as per the latest tiger survey indicate a favourable tourism season post lockdown. If you are looking to spot the ‘big cat’ in their natural habitat, we recommend these top 10 spots:
1. Ranthambore National Park: Located nearly 130 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan, this is one of India’s biggest national parks. Special ‘tiger sighting’ zones have been created across this 1334 sq km park for safaris.
2. Kanha Tiger Reserve: Upgraded to a national park from a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, Kanha Tiger Reserve lies in Madhya Pradesh. Famous for tiger sightings, the park attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists every year.
3. Bandhavgarh National Park: Also in Madhya Pradesh, this park is considered as the original home of the white tigers. Here, you can opt for jeep or elephant safaris.
4. Bandipur National Park: Located in Karnataka, this national park covers an area of about 870 km. Surrounded by the beautiful Western Ghat ranges, this is home to tigers, panthers and elephants. There are guided treks, apart from safaris, if you are interested.
5. Jim Corbett National Park: Nestled in picturesque Nainital in Uttarakhand, this was declared as India’s first tiger reserve in 1973. Make sure to also look out for local and migratory birds on your safaris.
6. Pench National Park: Named after the Pench river that flows through the area, this park in Madhya Pradesh was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. You may spot leopards along with tigers if you get lucky!
7. Tadoba National Park: Also known as the ‘Jewel of Vidarbha’ this national park in Maharashtra is home to a large number of tigers. You can spot hyenas as well in the largest national park of the state.
8. Periyar Tiger Reserve: Rich in biodiversity, this reserve is home to tigers and elephants. You may spot rare white tigers on your safaris. Don’t miss visiting the 100-year-old lake inside the sanctuary.
9. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve: Named after the local Sundari trees that grow in abundance here, this reserve in West Bengal is home to the Royal Bengal Tigers. Opt for a river cruise around the deltas to watch the big cats in the mangroves or spot crocodiles.
10. Satpura National Park: Located in Madhya Pradesh, this is a hidden gem for tiger sighting. Enjoy the pristine waters of Sonbhadra River that flows through the park as you wait to spot the elusive big cat.
Remember to be mindful of government directives regarding safety and eco-friendly measures while visiting these reserves.
