Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam has recorded the third-highest tiger density in the world, according to the “Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024” report released on Global Tiger Day. The reserve now hosts 148 adult tigers, a significant rise from 104 in 2022, reaffirming its position as a key habitat for the endangered species.
The increase in numbers has been partly attributed to the first-time inclusion of the Biswanath Wildlife Division, which reported 27 tigers. The Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, which forms the core of the reserve, saw a rise from 104 to 115 tigers, while the Nagaon Division maintained a steady count of six.
With a density of 18.65 tigers per 100 square kilometres, Kaziranga now ranks just behind Bandipur (19.83) and Corbett (19.56) tiger reserves. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the achievement in a post on social media.
Kaziranga’s landscape of marshes, grasslands, and floodplains has traditionally not been considered optimal for tigers, making the figures notable. The tiger census followed Phase IV protocols of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India, using the mark-recapture method via paired camera traps placed between December 2023 and April 2024 across 1,307.49 square kilometres.
Technological tools such as M-STrIPES, drones, infrared “Electronic Eye” surveillance, and a team of 113 female forest guards known as Van Durgas were involved in the monitoring efforts. Over 200 square kilometres of new protected habitat were also added, including 12.82 square kilometres of encroachment-free forest in the Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries, allowing for better movement and dispersal of tigers.
The 2024 report provided detailed gender data, identifying 83 females, 55 males, and 10 tigers whose sex could not be determined. Officials credited improved fieldwork, data from camera traps, and support from civil society for the level of detail in the monitoring.
Rising tiger numbers are considered indicators of ecosystem health, as their survival reflects the strength of the food chain and broader environmental conditions. However, forest officials have noted that the increase brings new challenges, including the need to enhance buffer zones, prevent poaching, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
While the report marks a milestone for conservation in the region, it also emphasises the need for continued research, community involvement, and stable funding to sustain and build on these gains.
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