Karnataka reports increase in tiger numbers since 2018

Bandipur and Nagarhole reserves have the highest tiger populations at 140 and 149 respectively. Bhadra, Kali and BRT have 26, 19 and 39 tigers.

“In 2018, the initial count was 404. Using statistical methods, this was estimated at 524. Now, camera traps show 435 tigers. If analyzed similarly, the number could exceed last time. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will release a detailed report soon,” Khandre said.

The forest department maintains a database of photo-captured tigers with details on age, gender, territory and dispersal patterns. This aids conflict management and identifying injured or dead tigers.

As per NTCA protocol, tiger, elephant and prey estimation is done every four years across India as part of AITE. Field surveys involve camera traps for tigers and line transects for prey.

“Surveys were done in 37 divisions including all five tiger reserves and other sanctuaries, parks and areas,” Khandre added.

An official said based on 2018 data, NTCA had projected 524 tigers in Karnataka. The 2022 projection could show further increase.

NTCA’s interim report in April put India’s minimum tiger count at 3,167. It noted declines in the Western Ghats landscape including Karnataka. The final 2022 report will be released this month.