Attention wildlife lovers and competitive exam aspirants! Explore the complete list of India’s 56 incredible Tiger Reserves for 2024, complete with names and maps. These reserves play a vital role in protecting the Royal Bengal Tiger, India’s national treasure, along with all other tiger species.
Recently, Odisha launched a Black or Pseudo-Melanistic Tiger Safari in the Simlipal Tiger Reserve, showcasing the unique diversity of tiger species. According to government data, more than 60% of Simlipal’s tigers are ‘black’, making it crucial to protect and preserve this incredible variation among tigers.
After reading this post, you will:
- Learn the location and area of all 56 tiger reserves in India.
- Get additional insights for competitive exams, including details about Project Tiger, the Tiger Census, and key tiger conservation efforts.
- Explore India’s wild habitats and discover why these reserves are essential for protecting tigers and maintaining biodiversity.
What is Tiger Reserves?
Tiger reserves are special areas set up to protect tigers in their natural homes. These places are managed by the governments of countries where tigers live.
India, which has over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, started creating tiger reserves in 1973 with the launch of Project Tiger.
Today, India has 56 tiger reserves, managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These reserves include:
- National Parks
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Tiger Corridors
The main purpose of tiger reserves is to protect tigers and their habitats, but they also help save many other plants and animals. These reserves are vital for keeping ecosystems healthy and balanced.
Key activities carried out in tiger reserves
Here are some of the key activities carried out in tiger reserves:
- Protection of tigers and their prey from poaching and other threats
- Habitat management to ensure that tigers have the food and shelter they need
- Monitoring tiger populations to track their numbers and health
- Research on tigers and their ecology
- Education and awareness programs to teach people about the importance of tigers and conservation
Ecotourism is also an important part of tiger reserve management. Carefully controlled tourism can generate revenue that can be used to support conservation efforts. It can also help to raise awareness about the importance of tigers and conservation.
✅ Read Also: National Parks in India: Complete Updated Notes
List of Tiger Reserves in India 2024
Here is the list of 55 tiger reserves according to the official website of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
| Sl No | Tiger Reserve (TR) | State | Core Area (sq km) | Buffer Area (sq km) | Total Area (sq km) |
| 1 | Bandipur | Karnataka | 872.24 | 584.06 | 1456.3 |
| 2 | Corbett | Uttarakhand | 821.99 | 466.32 | 1288.31 |
| Amanagarh buffer | Uttar Pradesh | – | 80.60 | 80.60 | |
| 3 | Kanha | Madhya Pradesh | 917.43 | 1,134.36 | 2,051.79 |
| 4 | Manas | Assam | 526.22 | 2,310.88 | 2,837.10 |
| 5 | Melghat | Maharashtra | 1,500.49 | 1,268.03 | 2,768.52 |
| 6 | Palamau | Jharkhand | 414.08 | 715.85 | 1,129.93 |
| 7 | Ranthambore | Rajasthan | 1,113.36 | 297.92 | 1,411.29 |
| 8 | Simlipal | Orissa | 1,194.75 | 1,555.25 | 2,750.00 |
| 9 | Sunderban | West Bengal | 1,699.62 | 885.27 | 2,584.89 |
| 10 | Periyar | Kerala | 881.00 | 44.00 | 925.00 |
| 11 | Sariska | Rajasthan | 881.11 | 332.23 | 1,213.34 |
| 12 | Buxa | West Bengal | 390.58 | 367.32 | 757.90 |
| 13 | Indravati | Chattisgarh | 1,258.37 | 1,540.70 | 2,799.07 |
| 14 | Namdapha | Arunachal Pradesh | 1,807.82 | 245.00 | 2,052.82 |
| 15 | Nagarjunsagar Sagar | Andhra Pradesh | 2,595.72 | 700.59 | 3,296.31 |
| 16 | Dudhwa | Uttar Pradesh | 1,093.79 | 1,107.98 | 2,201.77 |
| 17 | Kalakad Mundanthurai | Tamil Nadu | 895.00 | 706.54 | 1,601.54 |
| 18 | Valmiki | Bihar | 598.45 | 300.93 | 899.38 |
| 19 | Pench | Madhya Pradesh | 411.33 | 768.30 | 1,179.63 |
| 20 | Tadobha Andhari | Maharashtra | 625.82 | 1,101.77 | 1,727.59 |
| 21 | Bandhavgarh | Madhya Pradesh | 716.90 | 820.03 | 1,536.93 |
| 22 | Panna | Madhya Pradesh | 576.13 | 1,021.97 | 1,598.10 |
| 23 | Dampa | Mizoram | 500.00 | 488.00 | 988.00 |
| 24 | Bhadra | Karnataka | 492.46 | 571.83 | 1,064.29 |
| 25 | Pench – MH | Maharashtra | 257.26 | 483.96 | 741.22 |
| 26 | Pakke | Arunachal Pradesh | 683.45 | 515.00 | 1,198.45 |
| 27 | Nameri | Assam | 320 | 144.00 | 464.00 |
| 28 | Satpura | Madhya Pradesh | 1,339.26 | 794.04 | 2,133.31 |
| 29 | Anamalai | Tamil Nadu | 958.59 | 521.28 | 1,479.87 |
| 30 | Udanti Sitanadi | Chattisgarh | 851.09 | 991.45 | 1,842.54 |
| 31 | Satkoshia | Odisha | 523.61 | 440.26 | 963.87 |
| 32 | Kaziranga | Assam | 625.58 | 548.00 | 1,173.58 |
| 33 | Achanakmar | Chattisgarh | 626.19 | 287.82 | 914.02 |
| 34 | Kali | Karnataka | 814.88 | 282.63 | 1,097.51 |
| 35 | Sanjay Dhubri | Madhya Pradesh | 812.57 | 861.93 | 1,674.50 |
| 36 | Mudumalai | Tamil Nadu | 321.00 | 367.59 | 688.59 |
| 37 | Nagarhole | Karnataka | 643.35 | 562.41 | 1,205.76 |
| 38 | Parambikulam | Kerala | 390.89 | 252.77 | 643.66 |
| 39 | Sahyadri | Maharashtra | 600.12 | 565.45 | 1,165.57 |
| 40 | Biligiri Ranganatha Temple | Karnataka | 359.10 | 215.72 | 574.82 |
| 41 | Kawal | Telangana | 892.23 | 1,123.21 | 2,015.44 |
| 42 | Sathyamangalam | Tamil Nadu | 793.49 | 614.91 | 1,408.40 |
| 43 | Mukundara | Rajasthan | 417.17 | 342.82 | 759.99 |
| 44 | Nawegaon Nagzira | Maharashtra | 653.67 | 1,241.27 | 1,894.94 |
| 45 | Amrabad | Telangana | 2,166.37 | 445.02 | 2,611.39 |
| 46 | Pilibhit | Uttar Pradesh | 602.79 | 127.45 | 730.25 |
| 47 | Bor | Maharashtra | 138.12 | 678.15 | 816.27 |
| 48 | Rajaji | Uttarakhand | 819.54 | 255.63 | 1075.17 |
| 49 | Orang | Assam | 79.28 | 413.18 | 492.46 |
| 50 | Kamlang | Arunachal Pradesh | 671.00 | 112.00 | 783.00 |
| 51 | Srivilliputhur Megamalai | Tamil Nadu | 641.86 | 374.70 | 1016.57 |
| 52 | Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan | 481.9073 | 1019.9848 | 1501.8921 |
| 53 | Ranipur Tiger Reserve | Uttar Pradesh | 230.31 | 299.0512 | 529.3612 |
| 54 | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1414.006 | 925.120 | 2339.12 |
| 55 | Dholpur – Karauli Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan | 599.6406 | – | 599.6406 |
| 56 | Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve | Chhattisgarh | 2049.2 | 780.15 | 2829.38 |
| Total Area: | 45,562.2166 | 36,002.73 | 78,735.5966 |
Recently Declared Tiger Reserves
Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
- 56th Tiger Reserve of India: Notified on November 18, 2024, in Chhattisgarh, making it the 56th tiger reserve of the country.
- Geographical Spread: Spanning 2,829.38 sq. km, it includes:
- Core/Critical Habitat: 2,049.2 sq. km (Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
- Buffer Area: 780.15 sq. km.
- Rank by Size: It is the 3rd largest tiger reserve in India, following: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh) and Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam).
- Located across the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur in Chhattisgarh.
- Forms a landscape complex of nearly 4,500 sq. km with the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
- Connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to the west and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) to the east.
Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve
- Designation: Officially designated as India’s 55th Tiger Reserve in August 2023.
- Location: Spans the Karauli and Dholpur districts in Rajasthan.
- State Ranking: Becomes the 5th Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, alongside:
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
- Ecological Role: Includes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger corridors to enhance the state’s ecological network.
Last 5 Tiger Reserves in India
In 2023, two new tiger reserves were added to the list in India:
- Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
- Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
In 2024 (up to November 20th), only one tiger reserve has been added:
- Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh.
✅ Pench Tiger Reserve becomes India’s first Dark Sky Park. All you need to know
Tiger Reserves in India Map
State-wise Distribution of Tiger Reserves in India with Districts
Explore the distribution of tiger reserves across different states:
Madhya Pradesh
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pench | Seoni and Chhindwara |
| 2 | Bandhavgarh | Umaria |
| 3 | Satpura | Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram ) |
| 4 | Panna | Chhatarpur |
| 5 | Kanha | Mandla and Balaghat |
| 6 | Sanjay-Dubri | Koriya (Chhattisgarh) and Sidhi, Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh) |
| 7 | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve | Damoh district and Sagar district |
Show more
Maharashtra
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bor | Wardha |
| 2 | Melghat | Amravati |
| 3 | Tadoba-Andhari | Chandrapur |
| 4 | Sahyadri | Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri |
| 5 | Nawegaon-Nagzira | Gondia |
| 6 | Pench | Seoni and Chhindwara |
Tamil Nadu
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anamalai | Coimbatore |
| 2 | Sathyamangalam | Erode |
| 3 | Mudumalai | Nilgiri |
| 4 | Srivilliputhur – Megamalai | Erode |
| 5 | Kalakad-Mundanthurai | Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari |
Karnataka
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biligiri Ranganatha Temple | Chamarajanagar |
| 2 | Bandipur | Chamarajnagar |
| 3 | Nagarahole | Kodagu and Mysore |
| 4 | Bhadra | Chikkamagaluru |
| 5 | Dandeli-Anshi | Uttara Kannada |
Rajasthan
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sariska | Alwar |
| 2 | Ranthambore | Sawai Madhopur |
| 3 | Mukandra Hills | Kota |
| 4 | Ramgarh Vishdhari | Bundi |
| 5 | Dholpur-Karauli | Karauli and Dholpur |
Arunachal Pradesh
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakke or Pakhui | Pakke Kessang |
| 2 | Namdapha | Changlang |
| 3 | Kamlang | Lohit |
Assam
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nameri | Sonitpur |
| 2 | Manas | Chirang and Baksa |
| 3 | Kaziranga | Golaghat and Nagaon |
| 4 | Orang | Darrang and Sonitpur |
Andhra Pradesh
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nagarjunsagar Srisailam | Kurnool, Prakasam, Gunturt, Nalgonda and Mahabub Nagar |
Bihar
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valmiki | West Champaran |
Jharkhand
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palamau | Latehar |
Mizoram
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dampa | Aizawl |
Telangana
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amrabad Tiger Reserve | Nagarkurnool |
| 2 | Kawal Tiger Reserve | Mancherial |
Odisha
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Similipal | Mayurbhanj |
| 2 | Satkosia | Angul |
Kerala
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Periyar | Idukki and Pathanamthitta |
| 2 | Parambikulam | Palakkad and Thrissur |
Uttar Pradesh
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District / Nearest City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dudhwa | Lakhimpur Kheri |
| 2 | Pilibhit | Pilibhit |
| 3 | Ranipur | Chitrakoot |
Uttarakhand
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corbett | Nainital, Pauri Garhwal |
| 2 | Rajaji | Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. |
West Bengal
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunderbans | South 24 Parganas |
| 2 | Buxa | Alipurduar |
Chhattisgarh
| Sl. No | Tiger Reserves | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Udanti-Sitanadi | Dhamtari |
| 2 | Achanakmar | Mungeli |
| 3 | Indravati | Bijapur |
| 4 | Guru Ghasidas and Tamor Pingla | Surajpur |
Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India
| SL. No. | Tiger Reserve Name | Year of creation | State | The population of tigers, in 2023 | Total (Core + Buffer)Area (Km2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam | 1982–83 | Andhra Pradesh | 58 | 3,296.31 |
| 2 | Manas | 1973–74 | Odisha | 58 | 2,837.10 |
| 3 | Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla | 2014 | Chhattisgarh | N/A | 2,829.38 |
| 4 | Indravati | 2012–13 | Chhattisgarh | 1 | 2,799.07 |
| 5 | Melghat | 1982–83 | Maharashtra | 57 | 2,768.52 |
| 6 | Similipal | 1973–74 | Maharashtra | 16 | 2,750 |
| 7 | Amrabad | 1993–94 | Telangana | 12 | 2,611.39 |
| 8 | Sunderbans | 2022 | Rajasthan | 100 | 2,584.89 |
| 9 | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve | 2023 | Madhya Pradesh | N/A | 2,339.12 |
| 10 | Dudhwa | 1973–74 | Rajasthan | 135 | 2,201.77 |
About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Role and Function
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) operates as a statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, functioning within the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Its primary mission is to bolster tiger conservation efforts in India through strategic objectives:
Empowering Project Tiger
- The NTCA grants statutory authority to Project Tiger, ensuring legal support for its directives.
- This empowerment enhances the effective implementation of tiger reserve management practices.
Center-State Collaboration
- By facilitating Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the central government and state governments, the NTCA fosters accountability.
- Shared responsibility and coordinated action become possible, leading to better tiger conservation outcomes.
Parliamentary Oversight
- The NTCA’s activities are subject to parliamentary scrutiny, promoting transparency and accountability.
- This oversight ensures that tiger conservation efforts align with national priorities.
Community Engagement
- Recognizing the significance of local communities residing near tiger reserves, the NTCA addresses their livelihood interests.
- By involving communities, the NTCA mitigates human-wildlife conflict and encourages active participation in conservation initiatives.
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Establishment and Management
Creating a tiger reserve in India involves more than just putting up a sign. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Legal Framework
- The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 empowers state governments to declare an area as a tiger reserve.
- However, this decision isn’t made in isolation; the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plays a crucial role.
Expert Recommendation
- The NTCA provides expert recommendations regarding the establishment of tiger reserves.
- It ensures that the reserve aligns with conservation goals and best practices.
Team Effort
- Establishing a reserve is a collaborative effort between state authorities and the NTCA.
- Once established, the reserve’s boundaries remain relatively fixed.
Approval Process
- Any adjustments to boundaries or rare cases of removing protected status require approval.
- Both the National Board for Wildlife and the NTCA are involved in these decisions.
High Standards
- The stringent approval process ensures that tiger sanctuaries remain secure and effective.
Proposed Tiger Reserves in India
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted initial approval for the establishment of two new tiger reserves in India. However, these reserves await final approval from various government bodies before receiving official designation.
Ratapani Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
- Located in the Raisen district, Ratapani has held the status of a wildlife sanctuary since 1976.
- It is on track to become Madhya Pradesh’s seventh tiger reserve, given the state’s significant tiger population.
Sunabeda Tiger Reserve (Odisha)
- Situated in the Nuapada district, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses the catchment area of the Jonk River.
- Its critical role in maintaining water resources and ecological balance makes it a strong candidate for tiger reserve status in Odisha.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted clearance for the NTCA’s preliminary approval to designate Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan as a tiger reserve. If finalized, this proposed reserve would be Rajasthan’s sixth and India’s 56th tiger reserve.
Upcoming Tiger Reserves: Expanding Conservation Efforts
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is actively promoting the establishment of new tiger reserves across India. These initiatives aim to enhance protected habitats for these majestic creatures. Here are the proposed reserves:
Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh)
Located in the Terai region of the Himalayas, Suhelwa holds promise for tiger conservation. Lush forests and diverse ecosystems make it an ideal candidate for safeguarding tigers.
Mhadei (Goa)
Nestled in the Western Ghats, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary teems with biodiversity. Its pristine landscapes could become a vital tiger habitat.
Dibang (Arunachal Pradesh)
In the eastern Himalayas, Dibang boasts rich biodiversity. By establishing a reserve here, we can bolster tiger conservation efforts in the North-East.
Cauvery MM Hills (Karnataka)
Located in the southern peninsula, this proposed reserve aims to expand tiger-protected areas in Karnataka. The lush forests and riverine landscapes hold immense potential.
These reserves represent our commitment to securing a future for tigers in India.
Highlights of Tiger Census 2022
Project Tiger’s Journey
- Launched in 1973 with 9 reserves covering 18,278 km².
- Now expanded to 53 reserves over 75,796 km², covering 2.3% of India’s total land area.
Global Leadership
- India holds 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.
Tiger Population Estimate
- Minimum: 3,167 tigers (camera-trapped areas).
- Average: 3,682 tigers (camera and non-camera-trapped areas).
- Upper Limit: 3,925 tigers.
- Growth rate: 6.1% annually.
Key States with Highest Tiger Numbers:
- Madhya Pradesh: 785 tigers (largest population).
- Karnataka: 563 tigers.
- Uttarakhand: 560 tigers.
- Maharashtra: 444 tigers
- Tamil Nadu: 306 tigers
Top Tiger Reserves by Tiger Abundance:
- Corbett: 260 tigers (highest).
- Followed by Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), and Bandhavgarh (135).
Significant Trends
- Population increased in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra.
- Declines in the Western Ghats, with localized conservation challenges.
- Small tiger populations were reported in Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Challenges & Recommendations
- 35% of tiger reserves require improved protection, habitat restoration, and prey augmentation.
- Urgent need to address poaching, enhance anti-poaching measures, and manage human-wildlife conflicts.
- Eco-friendly development, mining site rehabilitation, and technology-driven conservation emphasized.
Role of Project Tiger in Tiger Conservation
Project Tiger, launched in 1973 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is a pioneering wildlife conservation program in India.
The initiatives aimed at reversing the dwindling population of tigers, this centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has emerged as a global model for species protection.
The Pillars of Project Tiger
Tiger Reserves
- Project Tiger established a network of protected areas called tiger reserves.
- These reserves prioritize tiger conservation by providing safe havens with ample prey base and minimal human interference.
- From an initial nine reserves in 1973, Project Tiger has grown to encompass 55 reserves across India, spanning over 2.24% of the country’s geographical area.
M-STrIPES: Technological Innovation for Monitoring
- Project Tiger utilizes cutting-edge technology for tiger population estimation.
- M-STrIPES, an Android-based mobile application, facilitates camera trap data collection and analysis, leading to more accurate tiger population assessments.
- Reports suggest that the utilization of the system in the Pench Tiger Reserve has resulted in “a significant deterrence against anti-forest and anti-wildlife activities.”
Impact of Project Tiger
- Increased Tiger Population: Since its inception, Project Tiger has overseen a significant increase in India’s wild tiger population. This success story highlights the effectiveness of focused conservation efforts and serves as a beacon of hope for tiger conservation worldwide.
- Conservation Blueprint: Project Tiger’s framework has inspired similar initiatives for other endangered species in India and abroad. Its emphasis on protected areas, habitat management, and community participation has established a replicable model for species conservation.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its achievements, Project Tiger continues to face challenges such as poaching, habitat loss due to human encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict.
Continued vigilance, community engagement, and innovation are crucial for Project Tiger’s enduring success in ensuring the majestic tiger continues to thrive in the wild landscapes of India.
India’s Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs)
In India, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs) are crucial for protecting tiger reserves mandated by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972’s section 38. v.(3). These plans ensure the long-term survival of tigers and their ecosystems.
Here’s what a TCP typically covers:
- Protection Measures: TCPs outline strategies to combat poaching through increased patrolling, deploying anti-poaching squads, and using camera traps for surveillance.
- Habitat Management: They address ways to improve tiger habitat. This might involve measures to control invasive plant species, manage water resources for prey animals, and create corridors between fragmented habitats to allow tiger movement.
- Community Engagement: Recognizing the importance of local communities, TCPs often include strategies for fostering cooperation. This can involve ecotourism initiatives that provide alternative income sources for people living near reserves, thereby reducing dependence on forest resources and promoting conservation awareness.
These are just some examples, and specific actions will vary depending on the unique needs of each tiger reserve. The success stories of some reserves, like Ranthambore’s fostering of responsible tourism or Corbett National Park’s community outreach programs, can serve as models for plans.
Tiger Conservation Foundation (TCF)
Imagine a dedicated organization working solely to protect tigers and their wild homes in India. That’s the Tiger Conservation Foundation (TCF)! Established by law (Wildlife Protection Act of 1972), each tiger reserve has its own TCF.
Think of TCFs as local champions for tigers. They work closely with the forest department to achieve two main goals:
- Protecting Tigers and their wild companions: TCFs support anti-poaching efforts, fund wildlife health programs, and even help improve tiger habitats.
- Working with communities: TCFs understand that people living near tiger reserves are key partners. They support eco-development projects that create alternative income sources for these communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for conservation.
By combining protection efforts with community engagement, TCFs strive to create a future where tigers and humans can thrive together. It’s a beautiful example of collaborative conservation!
Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs)
Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs) are designated areas within India’s existing Tiger Reserves that require the highest level of protection for tigers. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and their significance:
Location
CTHs are essentially special zones within Tiger Reserves. Imagine a bullseye – the Tiger Reserve is the larger circle, and the CTH is the smaller circle at its center.
Importance
These zones are crucial for tiger survival as they encompass areas with:
- High tiger densities (lots of tigers!)
- Prime tiger habitat (abundant prey, water sources, good cover)
- Connectivity corridors linking different reserves (allowing safe tiger movement)
Protection Measures
CTHs are designated as “inviolate,” meaning minimal human activity is allowed. This ensures tigers have undisturbed space to breed, hunt, and thrive. Here are some specific measures:
- Strict restrictions on human settlements and activities like grazing or logging.
- Increased patrolling and anti-poaching efforts.
- Habitat management practices to improve the quality of the tiger’s environment.
Benefits of CTHs
By protecting CTHs, India aims to:
- Increase tiger populations within reserves.
- Facilitate safe movement of tigers between reserves, promoting genetic diversity.
- Create a long-term haven for these magnificent creatures.
CTHs are a vital tool in India’s tiger conservation strategy, ensuring focused protection for the core areas where tigers need it most.
Significance of Tiger Reserves in India
Imagine a majestic Bengal tiger, a symbol of power and grace, roaming free in its natural home. Protecting these incredible creatures and their wild habitats is where India’s Tiger Reserves come in, playing a truly significant role.
India, a Global Leader in Tiger Conservation
- Alarmingly, tiger populations have declined by 93% worldwide. But here’s where India steps up – it’s home to over 70% of the world’s remaining tigers!
Cultural Treasures
- For centuries, tigers have held a special place in Indian culture, revered for their strength and beauty. Tiger Reserves ensure these magnificent animals continue to grace our lands and stories.
Protecting the Ecological Balance
- As apex predators, tigers are like guardians of the forest. Tiger Reserves act as sanctuaries, preserving these vital ecosystems.
- Healthy tiger populations keep prey species in check, preventing them from overgrazing and ensuring plant diversity.
- These reserves also protect forests, which act as natural water filters, prevent soil erosion, and even contribute to healthy water tables.
India’s National Animal
- The Royal Bengal Tiger, a subspecies of the Panthera tigris species, has been considered India’s National Animal since April 1973.
- This magnificent creature, known for its grandeur, is among the largest members of the cat family.
- Native to the Indian subcontinent, it represents a specific population of the Panthera tigris subspecies.
- Nagpur proudly bears the title of ‘Tiger Capital of India.’
Tiger Reserves in India One-liners Question & Answers
Q1. Which country has the most tigers?
Answer: India
Q2. How many tiger reserves in India in 2024?
Answer: 56 (as per NTCA)
Q3. Which is the largest tiger reserve in India?
Answer: The largest tiger reserve in India is Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Total area of 3296.31 sq. Km) located in Andhra Pradesh.
Q4. Which is the smallest tiger reserve in India?
Answer: Bor tiger reserve is the smallest tiger reserve in India.
Q5. The Bor tiger reserve is located in which state?
Answer: Maharashtra
Q6. Which is the first tiger reserve in India?
Answer: Jimm Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand)
Q7. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve located at the
Answer: Lakhimpur Kheri District (Uttar Pradesh), Indo-Nepal Border
Q8. Mr. Kailash Sankhla was appointed as the first Director of___
Answer: Project Tiger
Q9. Project Tiger was launched in the year?
Answer: 1 April 1973
Q10. Which is the 51st Tiger Reserve of India?
Answer: Srivilliputhur – Megamalai Tiger Reserve. 5th Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu
Q11. Which is the 52nd Tiger Reserve of India?
Answer: Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (4th Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan)
Q12. Which is the 53rd tiger reserve in India?
Answer: Ranipur Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh
Q13. Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve was formed by combining two wildlife sanctuaries namely
Answer: Grizzled squirrel wildlife sanctuary and Megamalai wildlife sanctuary.
Q14. Which is the 50th tiger reserve in India?
Answer: Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh)
Q15. Rajaji National Park has been named after:
Answer: C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) last Governor-General of independent India.
Q16. Where is Rajaji National Park located?
Answer: Uttarakhand
Q17. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is the Gateway to
Answer: Eastern Ghats
Q18. A group of tigers is called?
Answer: ‘ambush’ or ‘streak’
Q19. Which is the 5th tiger reserve in Rajasthan?
Answer: Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve
Q20. Which is the 55th tiger reserve in India?
Answer: Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve
Q21. What is notable about the Pench Tiger Reserve’s location in relation to two Indian states?
Answer: The Pench Tiger Reserve is the first one to extend across two states: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Q22. Which is the 56th tiger reserve in India?
Answer: Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
FAQs on Tiger Reserves in India
As of 2024, according to the official site of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), India has 56 tiger reserves.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh
Guru Ghasidas – Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (56th Tiger Reserve)
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh.
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)
Source:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (ntca.gov.in)
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