India’s wild tiger numbers continue to grow

Posted on 9 April 2023

New Delhi, India - According to the results of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE), 2022 released today by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the population of wild tigers in the country is estimated to be a minimum of 3,167, out of which 3,080 are unique individuals. This is an increase of 619 tigers from the 2018 AITE, where the number was 2,461. A target to double wild tigers globally, also known as Tx2, was set by governments in 2010 at the St.Petersburg International summit on tiger conservation, and India’s tiger numbers continue to contribute significantly to this.

The extensive survey involved 641,449 km2 of foot surveys, 32,588 camera counts and 641,102 person days. The survey was led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and the Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with State Forest Departments. WWF-India was an implementing partner in the survey.

While the future of India’s tigers across vast landscapes has always been a challenge in the face of numerous threats, the latest estimate indicates the relevance of the conservation measures that have been implemented by the Government, Global Tiger Forum, WWF and other organisations working in the sector.

Dr. Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General of Global Tiger Forum said, “Concerted efforts from tiger range countries are really encouraging. The wild tiger status has registered an upward trend in some countries, and others are working hard to further strengthen their efforts. We compliment all for their good work when the going is tough. As always we stand committed to work with sovereign tiger countries on the tiger agenda.”

Mr. Ravi Singh, CEO & SG, WWF-India, said, “Project Tiger was conceptualised with the goal of restoring tiger populations and protecting their habitats in India. Today, after five decades, Project Tiger is recognised as one of the most successful species-specific conservation programmes globally. The current minimum estimate of 3,167 tigers in the country, as announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, epitomises the commitment of the government, local communities and concerned citizens towards protecting our national animal. And to keep this momentum going and see growth and stability in tiger numbers, this exceptional conservation programme will require continued dedication of combined efforts and management of human-wildlife interactions.”

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For media requests, please contact:
Somreet Bhattacharya | WWF-India | sbhattacharya@wwfindia.net
Jenny Roberts | WWF-Tigers Alive | jroberts@wwf-tigers.org

Tigress and cubs at Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India.