30 per cent rise in Tiger population since 2010
Tiger population in the country is estimated to be around 2,226, a rise of over 30 per cent since the last count in 2010, according to the latest census report. The total number of tigers were estimated to be around 1,706 in 2010. Tiger population had dipped to an alarming 1,411 in 2006 but has improved since then. Termed as a “success story”, this phenomenon notes that while the tiger population is falling in the world, it is rising in India.
Unique photos of 80 percent of tigers
Most of the tigers in the world are presently in India. 70 per cent of the world’s tigers are now in India. India has the world’s best managed tiger reserves. India also has unique photographs of 80 per cent of tigers for which around 9,735 cameras were being used. Nowhere in the world, so many cameras have been used for such an exercise. The report said that the total estimated population of tigers was somewhere around 1,945-2491 (2,226) as per 2014 report while as per the 2010 report, it was between 1,520-1909.
Double sampling methodology used for estimation
The third round of country level tiger assessment using the refined methodology of doubling sampling using camera traps has recorded an increase in tiger population. In 2006, the mid value of such a (once in four years) snap shot assessment using the same methodology was 1,411, in 2010 it was 1706 and now in 2014, it stands at 2,226. This is an increase of almost 30.5 per cent since the last estimate. Officials said that a total of 3,78,118 sq km of forest area in 18 tiger states were surveyed with a total of 1,540 unique tiger photo captures. Tiger population has increased in several states like Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerela.
Improvement in score of 43 tiger reserves
The third round of independent management effectiveness evaluation of tiger reserves has shown an overall improvement in the score of 43 tiger reserves from 65 per cent in 2010-11 to 69 per cent in 2014. An economic valuation of six tiger reserves done for the first time has provided quantitative and qualitative estimates of benefits accruing from tiger reserves which include ecological, economic, social and cultural services. A compendium on the profile of tiger reserves was also released besides a report on corridors and a book on tiger dynamics. Several tiger reserves were also recognised for excelling in select thematic areas.