Karnataka's Tigers: A Glimpse into the 2024 Conservation Report

Karnataka's Forest Department reports an estimated 393 tigers in its tiger reserves according to the 2024 monitoring survey. The survey, conducted according to the NTCA protocol, highlights the dispersal of tigers into new territories, leading to population fluctuations. The state shows a steady increase in tiger numbers.

Karnataka's tiger population in its five main reserves has been estimated at 393, according to a 2024 survey conducted by the Forest Department. This annual monitoring, based on the National Tiger Conservation Authority's protocol, was carried out from November 2023 to February 2024 in several key reserves.

The survey, conducted in Nagarahole, Bandipur, Bhadra, Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and Kali reserves, involved extensive use of camera traps. Over 2,160 locations captured around 6.1 million images, analyzed with AI to track individual tigers via their unique stripe patterns.

The report, released by Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, suggests that tiger dispersal is causing fluctuations in population estimates across reserves. However, overall tiger numbers have shown a gradual increase. The upcoming 2026 All India Tiger Estimation may offer further insights into these developing habitats.

(With inputs from agencies.)