Assam's Kaziranga National Park records world's third highest tiger density

Assams Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has achieved another milestone as it has become the home of the third highest density of tigers in the world said an official statement from the Kaziranga National ParkKaziranga has the 3rd highest density of tigers 18 tigers per 100 sq km in the worldOn the occasion of Global Tiger Day the national park has celebrated a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the release of the Status of Tigers in Kaziranga 2024 reportThis vital document underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our natural heritage for future generations Sonali Ghosh Field Director of Kaziranga National Park amp Tiger Reserve saidAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X Assam is not just protecting tigers it is reclaiming their kingdom With the worlds thirdhighest tiger density expanded reserves and bold action against encroachment the striped beasts of Assam continue to roam with power and prideAssam is not just protecting tigers it is reclaiming their kingdom With the worldrsquos 3rd highest tiger density expanded reserves and bold action against encroachment the striped beasts of Assam continue to roam with power and prideBest wishes on InternationalTigerDay pictwittercomHrpJAH0oammdash Himanta Biswa Sarma himantabiswa July 29 2025Ghosh stated that the tiger population in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has reached an impressive 148 marking a significant increase from the previous estimate of 2022According to Ghosh This growth is particularly notable due to the firsttime sampling of the Biswanath Wildlife Division where 27 recorded tigers have contributed to the overall increase 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 stable count of 6 tigers The methodology for the tiger count involved the 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 markrecapture framework to estimate tiger abundance and densityPaired camera traps were systematically placed across 130749 square km within three divisions of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve between Dec 2023 and April 2024 using a structured gridbased design to ensure comprehensive spatial coverage Trap sites within each grid cell were selected based on intensive sign surveys to maximise the probability of detecting tigers and copredators Based on statistically robust techniques a total of 148 adult tigers were identified in KTRs three divisions83 females 55 males and 10 individuals with undetermined gender Ghosh addedThe Field Director of Kaziranga National Park amp Tiger Reserve further said that key drivers of this encouraging rise in tiger population are habitat expansion and protectionAn additional area of 200 square km including 1282 square km of encroachmentfree area has been added in recent years under BurhachaporiLaokhowa sanctuaries under Nagaon Wildlife Division bringing more habitat under protection of the Tiger Reserve This strategic extension has significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers enabling increased movement breeding and dispersal opportunities across their range In addition the enhanced use of technology has revolutionised wildlife monitoring and protection Along with camera traps tools such as MSTrIPES Monitoring System for Tigers Intensive Protection and Ecological Status drones and infraredbased electronic surveillance systems Electronic Eye are now integral to daily operations These technological advancements have greatly improved antipoaching measures movement tracking and habitat monitoring leading to greater safety and better data she saidShe also added that crucially the integration of advanced technologies with the meticulous efforts of the forest frontline staff including 113 trained Van Durgas the female frontline staff of the Tiger Reserve and the active support of civil society organisations and local communities has significantly helped fill historical data gapsIn recent years Kazirangas tiger monitoring has produced genderwise segregation data offering a more accurate and detailed understanding of the reserves tiger demography The rise in the tiger population is more than just a statistic it signifies the health and resilience of the entire ecosystem within Kaziranga which supports a diverse range of flora and fauna The thriving tiger population is a testament to our successful conservation effortsWhile we celebrate this milestone we also recognise the responsibility it brings It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives strengthen community involvement and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity Ghosh saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the 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