Home / Environment / 25 Tiger Reserves Need Urgent Action: Low Numbers Flagged
25 Tiger Reserves Need Urgent Action: Low Numbers Flagged
28 Jun
Summary
- 25 tiger reserves show low or no tiger populations.
- Low prey abundance is a major issue in many reserves.
- Tiger reintroductions require more rigorous scientific backing.
A recent Environment Ministry report reveals that 25 of India's 58 tiger reserves have critically low or absent tiger populations and insufficient prey. These sites require immediate, science-led interventions to establish viable tiger populations. The report also notes that tiger reintroduction efforts across 12 landscapes have yielded inconsistent results, emphasizing the need for rigorous, evidence-based translocation strategies.
Key challenges identified include low prey abundance, which affects nearly every reserve on the list, and fragmented connectivity with source populations. Community participation is also stressed as crucial for successful reintroductions, following lessons learned from past initiatives. These 25 reserves, some with zero tigers like Satkosia and Buxa, need targeted support to recover.
High-density tiger reserves like Corbett and Bandipur serve as vital source populations for dispersal. The roadmap suggests these source areas must be prioritized for protection, including anti-poaching efforts and corridor security. Future reintroductions will mandate comprehensive scientific assessments of genetics, demographics, and habitat suitability.
