Overview
The sixth All-India Tiger Estimation began in January 2026 across Indian forests. The exercise uses sign surveys, camera traps, and genetic sampling. Preliminary findings from Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana identified 42 individual tigers. The final report is expected in 2027. The previous estimation in 2022 counted 3,682 tigers.
A Nationwide Effort to Count Tigers
India's tiger population is a matter of national pride. The country is home to about 75% of the world's wild tigers. Counting them accurately is crucial for conservation.
The sixth All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) began in January 2026. This is a massive nationwide exercise. It covers forests across the country.
The census is not just about counting tigers. It also assesses their habitat conditions. This helps conservationists understand what tigers need to thrive.
The exercise involves many people. Forest staff, volunteers, and wildlife experts all participate. Their combined efforts make the census accurate and reliable.
How the 2026 Estimation Works
The 2026 estimation follows a three-phase method. Each phase has a specific purpose.
Phase I: Sign Surveys and Habitat Assessment (January-February 2026)
This is the first step. Teams walk through forests looking for tiger signs. These include pugmarks, scat, and scratch marks on trees.
They also assess the habitat. They look at forest cover, prey availability, and water sources. This helps understand the overall health of tiger habitats.
Phase II: Camera Trapping (40 to 60 days)
This is where technology plays a big role. Camera traps are set up across tiger landscapes. These cameras capture images of tigers as they pass by.
Each tiger has a unique stripe pattern. Like human fingerprints, no two tigers have the same stripes. This helps identify individual tigers.
Phase III: Genetic Sampling for DNA Analysis
The final phase uses genetic sampling. Researchers collect scat samples from the forest. They extract DNA from these samples.
DNA analysis helps identify individual tigers. It also helps understand tiger populations better. This is useful for studying their genetic diversity.
State-Level Field Exercises
Several states have already begun their field exercises. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka started on 5 January 2026.
Tamil Nadu
The state began Phase I across its five tiger reserves. This is a comprehensive effort to cover all tiger habitats in the state.
Karnataka
Karnataka started its Phase-I exercise across 54 forest divisions. The state deployed 400 field staff for the exercise.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of the key areas. The reserve uses 550 camera traps to capture tiger images. This shows the scale of the operation.
Telangana
Telangana completed its initial survey between 19 and 25 January 2026. The teams documented 994 pieces of evidence related to tigers and other carnivores.
Preliminary findings from Amrabad Tiger Reserve were reported on 27 June 2026. The survey identified 42 individual tigers. This is an increase from 36 tigers in the previous survey.
Amrabad Tiger Reserve Survey
Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana conducted a detailed survey. It covered 2,611 sq km of forest area. The survey ran from November 2025 to June 2026.
The reserve used 2,240 camera traps. This is a massive number. It shows the scale of the effort.
The results were encouraging. The survey recorded 18 females, 14 males, two sub-adults, and eight cubs. This shows a healthy population with breeding activity.
The camera traps also captured something unexpected. They recorded the Indian Grey Wolf. This species is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Schedule I provides the highest level of legal protection. Species listed here are fully protected. This shows the importance of Amrabad as a wildlife habitat.
Why Tiger Estimation Matters
Counting tigers is not just about numbers. It serves many important purposes.
Conservation planning
The data helps plan conservation strategies. It shows where tigers are thriving and where they need help.
Measuring success
The previous estimate showed 3,682 tigers in 2022. The new count will show if conservation efforts are working.
Habitat assessment
The exercise looks at habitat conditions. This helps identify areas that need restoration.
Threat identification
The census helps identify threats to tigers. These include poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
International recognition
India's tiger estimation is globally recognized. It shows India's commitment to tiger conservation.
Exam-Focused
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AITE: All-India Tiger Estimation (sixth cycle began January 2026)
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Previous estimation: 2022 (3,682 tigers)
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Global share: India has about 75% of world's wild tigers
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Three phases: Sign surveys (Jan-Feb 2026), Camera trapping (40-60 days), Genetic sampling
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Final report expected: 2027
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Tamil Nadu: Started Phase I on 5 January 2026 (five tiger reserves)
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Karnataka: Started Phase I on 5 January 2026 (54 forest divisions, 400 staff, 550 camera traps)
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Telangana: Survey 19-25 January 2026 (994 pieces of evidence)
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Amrabad Tiger Reserve: 42 individual tigers (up from 36), 2,611 sq km, 2,240 camera traps
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Amrabad findings: 18 females, 14 males, 2 sub-adults, 8 cubs
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Indian Grey Wolf: Captured in camera traps, Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
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Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides legal protection to species
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Bandipur Tiger Reserve: Major tiger reserve in Karnataka
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the sixth All-India Tiger Estimation begin?
It began in January 2026 across India.
2. What methods are used in the tiger estimation?
The estimation uses sign surveys, camera trapping, and genetic sampling.
3. What was the tiger population in the previous estimation?
The 2022 estimation counted 3,682 tigers in India.
4. What were the preliminary findings from Amrabad Tiger Reserve?
Amrabad identified 42 individual tigers, up from 36 in the previous survey.
5. When will the final report of the 2026 estimation be released?
The final report is expected in 2027.