TigerPopulation – Uttarakhand Forests Witness Sharp Rise in Big Cat Numbers
TigerPopulation – The tiger population in Uttarakhand’s Ramnagar Forest Division has registered a notable increase, highlighting the growing success of wildlife conservation efforts in the region. A recent assessment jointly conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature and the state forest department revealed that 93 tigers are currently living in the forest division located near the renowned Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The latest count marks a substantial rise from the 67 tigers recorded during the previous survey conducted four years ago. Officials said the increase reflects nearly 39 percent growth in the tiger population across the forest landscape, which stretches over approximately 44,000 hectares.
Advanced Monitoring Strengthens Wildlife Tracking
Forest authorities used high-resolution camera traps installed across sensitive wildlife zones to monitor tiger movement and estimate the population. Several images and recordings were captured from the Kosi Range and adjoining forest pockets, where tiger activity has reportedly increased in recent years.
According to officials, the steady growth in the number of big cats is linked to consistent forest protection measures and improved habitat management. The presence of a healthy prey population, including deer and wild boar, has also contributed to the region becoming a favourable environment for predators.
Ramnagar Divisional Forest Officer Dhruv Singh Martolia stated that the survey for the 2025-26 estimation cycle relied on advanced technology and extensive field support from forest staff. He explained that the findings have already been submitted to the department for review and are currently awaiting official confirmation under the standards prescribed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
International Recognition for Conservation Standards
The Ramnagar Forest Division has also earned international recognition for its conservation practices. The division recently received the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards accreditation from the Global Tiger Forum, a distinction granted to protected areas maintaining high standards of tiger conservation and habitat protection.
Officials noted that only a limited number of forest divisions in Uttarakhand have received this certification so far. Forest teams have continued intensive patrol operations in vulnerable zones while also deploying drone technology for continuous monitoring and protection against poaching and illegal activities.
Authorities believe the combination of modern surveillance systems and active field management has strengthened the overall safety of wildlife habitats in the region.
Elephant Movement Also Increases Across Forest Zones
Apart from the growing tiger population, forest officials have also observed increased elephant movement within the Ramnagar landscape. Large herds containing more than 25 elephants have recently been spotted in several parts of the division, indicating improving ecological conditions and sufficient forest resources.
Wildlife experts said the simultaneous rise in tiger and elephant sightings points towards a healthier forest ecosystem and better connectivity between wildlife corridors.
Nearby Forest Divisions Report Similar Trends
Conservation officials have also reported encouraging developments in the neighbouring Terai West Forest Division. Camera traps installed in the Phato and Hathidagar tourism ranges recorded images of tigresses moving with cubs, suggesting that breeding activity is continuing successfully in nearby habitats as well.
The sightings are being viewed as evidence of an expanding tiger corridor across Uttarakhand’s Terai landscape. Experts believe stronger habitat connectivity between forest divisions could further support the long-term survival of big cats in the state.
Wildlife authorities said continuous monitoring, scientific management practices and public cooperation will remain essential to maintaining the positive momentum in tiger conservation efforts across Uttarakhand’s forests.