Latest census shows stable tiger numbers in Kaziranga

Results from the latest tiger census show that there are 95 tigers in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, up from 83 in 2014 making tiger density in the area 21 per 100 sq km.

Kaziranga field director Satyendra Singh said that although there is no significant rise in the tiger population it remains stable indicating that the tiger habitat is intact and healthy.

Park officials said that though Kaziranga is known for its rhinos, the protection measures for the one-horned pachyderm are helping the tiger population to thrive. Located on the southern banks of the Brahmaputa, Kaziranga alone has around 2,000 rhinos two-thirds of the world’s population.

“The thriving tiger population points to the fact that there is a healthy prey base for the big cats. In fact, there is a possibility that there are more tigers than the estimates. We are planning to make our next estimate more comprehensive,” said Singh

Environment activist Rohit Choudhury said it is important to protect the corridors used by tigers to help the population grow. “Unless the corridors, especially between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong are protected, it will be a big challenge for tiger conservation. We are concerned about rampant mining activities and encroachment along the corridors in the Karbi Anglong area,” said Choudhury.

Assam has four tiger reserves – Kaziranga, Manas, Orang and Nameri. Orang has 28 tigers and the highest tiger density in the country with 35.44 tigers per 100 sq km.In Manas, which is also a World Heritage Site, 30 tigers were found in last month’s estimate. Nameri is yet to come out with its latest tiger estimate.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has been working to protect wildlife in the area since 1994 and now with support of its TigerTime campaign continues to raise awareness and funds for this key wildlife habitat in India.

“While we welcome this positive news for Kaziranga’s tigers, 95 remains a precariously low number for species survival and, with the help of our supporters, we will continue to fund the efforts of the teams in Assam who are working so hard to protect not only the tigers but rare one-horned rhino too,” says acting CEO, Sally Case.

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