Tiger population in Kaziranga increases by 44 in 2 years to reach 148: Report

The tiger population in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam has increased by 44 in two years to reach a total of 148, according to a report released on the occasion of International Tiger Day on Tuesday. The previous count of the big cats in Kaziranga was 104 in 2022.

This growth is particularly notable owing to the first-time sampling in the Biswanath wildlife division, where 27 recorded tigers have contributed to the overall increase, said the report titled 'Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024'.

In the core eastern Assam wildlife division, the population grew from 104 in 2022 to 115 in 2024, while the Nagaon wildlife division maintained a count of six tigers. Of the 148 adult tigers, identified in the three divisions of the forest, 83 are females, 55 males, and 10 of undetermined gender.

The methodology for the tiger count included deployment of remotely triggered camera traps in accordance with the phase IV protocol of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India, which follows a statistically robust mark-recapture framework to estimate tiger abundance and density.

Paired camera traps were systematically placed across 1,307.49 sq. km within three divisions of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve between December 2023 and April 2024, using a structured grid-based design to ensure comprehensive spatial coverage, the report stated.

Based on the report and data published by various sources, it can be inferred that Kaziranga, with a population of 18.65 tigers per sq. km, now boasts the third highest density of tigers in the world, after Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Corbett National Park with 19.83 and 19.56 respectively, an official pointed out.

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Key drivers of this encouraging rise in tiger population are habitat expansion and protection, she said. An additional 200 sq. km, including 12.82 sq. km of encroachment-free area, has been added in recent years under Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries, bringing more habitat to the tiger reserve, the official said.

This strategic extension has significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers, allowing for increased movement, breeding, and dispersal opportunities across divisions.

In addition, the enhanced use of technology has revolutionised wildlife monitoring and protection. Along with camera traps, tools such as a monitoring system for tigers — Intensive Protection and Ecological Status(M-STrIPES ), drones, and infrared-based electronic surveillance systems (Electronic Eye), are now integral to daily operations.

''These technological advancements have greatly improved anti-poaching measures, movement tracking, and habitat monitoring, leading to greater safety and better data," the official said.

The integration of advanced technologies with meticulous efforts by forest frontline staff, including 113 trained 'van Durgas' — female frontline staff of the tiger reserve — and the active support of civil society organisations and local communities have significantly helped fill up data gaps, she said.

''We also recognise the responsibility this milestone brings. It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives, strengthen community involvement, and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity," the official added.

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Meanwhile, more than half the tiger deaths in India since 2021 occurred outside protected reserves, a PTI analysis of government data revealed on Tuesday, even as the country pushes ahead with new initiatives to strengthen conservation, including an India-led global alliance for big cats and efforts to relocate villages from core tiger habitats.

NTCA data shows that 667 tigers died between 2021 and so far in 2025, and 341, or 51 per cent, of the deaths occurred outside tiger reserves. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of such deaths at 111, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 90. The data also shows 129 tiger deaths in 2021, 122 in 2022, 182 in 2023, 126 in 2024 and 108 so far in 2025.

Home to around 3,682 tigers, India continues to face the challenge of conserving big cats outside reserves, where nearly 30 per cent of the population lives. To address this, the government plans to launch the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) project, covering 80 forest divisions in 17 states, to reduce human-tiger conflict.

On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said 24 countries have agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative to protect seven species of big cats. The alliance currently has 12 member nations, including Bhutan, Ethiopia and Cambodia.