Baripada, April 5: The much-awaited national tiger census has officially started today, with the process being initiated in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). A team of 85 forest department personnel has been deployed across eight groups for this extensive survey. The team will track tiger footprints, scat, and urine samples to determine the tiger population in the region.
Additionally, more than 300 trap cameras and AI-enabled cameras installed throughout Similipal will be used to monitor the tigers and gather data. The process, which will span several phases, will continue throughout the monsoon season, and a report will be submitted to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) by the end of 2026.
The last report indicated that Similipal Reserve had 24 adult tigers and eight cubs. The current survey will reveal whether the tiger population has increased or declined in the region. Forest officials believe the tiger numbers have likely increased, as indicated by the images captured by the cameras in core areas of the reserve.
The national tiger census is conducted every four years, and the results are eagerly anticipated to gauge the health of tiger populations and their habitats across the country.