Odisha’s rising tiger numbers bring pride and challenges

As the world marks International Tiger Day today (July 29), India — home to over 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population — has a cause to celebrate.

- ARINDAM GANGULY, OP

With its tiger population doubling over the past decade to 3,682, the country continues to lead global conservation efforts.

Amid this national success, Odisha is beginning to make its own mark, showing both promise and pressing concerns.

Explaining the success story, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha said that the Similipal Tiger Reserve has reported a tiger population of 40, including six cubs, 17 tigresses, and 13 black tigers. “This marks a notable increase from last year’s count of 27 tigers. This increase comes following the successful breeding of well-known tigresses Zeenat and Jamuna,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that the recent count follows the All Odisha Tiger Estimation 2023-24 conducted by state government, which reported 27 adult tigers and 8 cubs in Similipal.