India’s Tiger Boom- A Conservation Miracle or a Looming Crisis?

Bengal tiger

India’s tiger population has grown significantly over the past decade, solidifying the country’s role as a key stronghold for these big cats. However, this success brings a major challenge—finding enough space for them, given their extensive territorial needs. One approach has been the expansion of tiger reserves, with the government rapidly increasing its network of protected areas. In the past five months alone, three new national parks have been established, bringing the total to 58. A 2022 census recorded 3,682 tigers in these reserves, a sharp rise from 1,706 in 2010. This suggests an average of 63 tigers per park, though their distribution remains uneven. For instance, Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh had no tigers until 2023, when three were relocated, leading to the birth of two cubs. Another tiger was introduced in March, further strengthening the park’s potential as a vital wildlife corridor linking Kuno, Panna, and Ranthambore Tiger Reserves.

A tiger walking through a grassland in Kaziranga National Park

While India’s tiger conservation efforts have been successful, experts emphasize that protecting these big cats involves more than just increasing their numbers. Over 60 million people live in areas that overlap with tiger habitats, raising concerns about human-tiger conflicts. Additionally, some reserves—particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha—have worryingly low tiger populations. Conservationists believe these states could increase their tiger numbers through better protection, stronger anti-poaching measures, and closer collaboration with local communities. Milind Pariwakam, a wildlife biologist and joint director at the Wildlife Trust of India, highlighted that officials must not only monitor tiger populations but also ensure they have sufficient space to thrive. Conservation sociologist Dr. Medha Nayak from Odisha’s National Institute of Technology pointed to Madhav National Park as an example of an ideal habitat that also serves as a corridor for tiger movement between Kuno, Panna, and Ranthambore. According to the 2022 Status of Tigers report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), tigers flourish primarily in or near protected areas under the Project Tiger initiative. The report notes that these populations are essential for the species' long-term survival, as they produce young tigers that disperse across the landscape. This movement is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and balanced populations across different regions.

A tiger crossing the road in Kaziranga National Park

Ensuring the survival of tigers in India requires more than just increasing their numbers; it is crucial to establish wildlife corridors that allow movement between protected areas. Not all states or reserves have seen success, with regions like northern and western Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha having notably low tiger densities. Although these areas have enough forest cover to support around 1,400 tigers, issues such as illegal poaching, forest fires, and inadequate protection hinder conservation efforts. Research highlights that economic growth and social conditions significantly impact tiger populations, with habitat loss, poaching, and poverty contributing to declines in low-density areas. A study, Tiger Recovery Amid People and Poverty, found that some of India’s poorest districts—Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of the northeast—have historically experienced high levels of poaching and bushmeat hunting, leading to local tiger extinctions. While economic development has improved conservation in areas benefiting from tiger-related tourism and compensation schemes, it can also lead to land-use changes that threaten habitats. To secure long-term tiger survival, measures must address poverty in low-density regions while strengthening protection efforts. Additionally, thorough research is needed to identify forests that could be converted into tiger reserves to enhance connectivity between protected areas. Lastly, careful planning is essential to balance development with habitat conservation to ensure the future of tigers and other wildlife.