India's tiger count tops 3,600, Madhya Pradesh leads at 785

India is home to 75% of the world's tiger population with an estimated 3,682 of the big cats in the wild, according to an updated analysis of the 2022 tiger census released on Saturday, which found the number to be significantly higher than the 3,167 figure projected in April.

- Neeraj Santoshi and Shruti Tomar

The April data was part of a preliminary report released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new report is based on further analysis of the same data.

Among the country's 53 reserves, Corbett, in Uttarakhand had the highest number at 260, while Madhya Pradesh's forests continued to account for the largest population for any state at 785, the All India Tiger Estimation, 2022 report's full version stated.

"Heartening news! Under PM Shri @narendramodi ji's visionary leadership, we now have a thriving tiger population with lower and upper limit of 3,167-3,925 (average 3,682). Congratulations to the state forest departments, Wildlife Institute of India, Communities, Civil Society Institutions and @ntca_india for their extraordinary efforts!," wrote Bhupender Yadav, the Union minister for environment, forest and climate change in tweets on Saturday.

The new numbers reflect commendable success of tiger conservation efforts, which began in 1973 when Project Tiger was launched. In between, the numbers had dwindled to shocking lows 1,411 in 2006 and 1,706 in 2010 - before efforts were stepped up.

"It is a matter of pride that tiger numbers are increasing, but increasing numbers also bring many challenges," said AG Ansari, an Uttarakhand-based wildlife activist. "As new generation of tigers in search of new territories come into conflict with humans, one can't deny the chances of a surge in tiger-human conflicts," Ansari said.

"We as stakeholders have to accept this challenge and have to learn the art of living with the tigers to sustain this positive trend."