By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Ramnagar, 3 Jul: While the steadily rising number of tigers in Uttarakhand’s Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and its adjoining forest divisions marks a significant conservation triumph, it also simultaneously presents a growing concern for the local communities around the CTR. Recent sightings of multiple tigresses with cubs point not only to the success of longstanding conservation efforts but also to the increasing complexity of managing human-wildlife interactions in the region.
The Corbett Tiger Reserve alone now shelters over 260 adult tigers, excluding cubs under two years of age. In addition, the previous All India Tiger Estimation Report had recorded 67 tigers in the Ramnagar Forest Division and 53 in the Terai West Forest Division. While the upward trend in tiger numbers is being widely hailed as a remarkable outcome of Project Tiger, apprehensions are also mounting in villages bordering the forest areas. Frequent sightings of tigresses with cubs suggest a rapid population increase, intensifying concerns about their growing proximity to human settlements.
One major cause of the concern is the fact that heightened tiger activity within the forest interiors is believed to be forcing leopards out of their natural habitats, pushing them closer to human habitations and resulting in a noticeable rise in leopard-related incidents. Villagers now report tiger sightings near residential zones even during daylight hours, raising the risk to both livestock and human life, especially children, and creating persistent unease among the populace.
Despite these growing concerns, wildlife enthusiasts view the developments with optimism, interpreting them as a clear sign of effective conservation. They credit the sustained rise in tiger numbers to heightened public awareness, stringent anti-poaching measures, and continuous habitat protection. Many nature lovers and conservationists consider this resurgence as the true realisation of the objectives set forth by Project Tiger. However, they also underline the pressing need for robust conflict mitigation strategies to manage the increasing overlap between human and wildlife territories.
Currently, ‘Phase 4’ monitoring, a part of the localised tiger enumeration process within the Reserve, is nearing completion, with detailed data expected to be released shortly. The next All India Tiger Estimation exercise, slated for commencement in September 2026, will provide an updated national overview. Corbett’s situation in these surveys has been encouraging with 164 tigers in 2006, 214 in 2010, 215 in 2014, 231 in 2018, and a figure now exceeding 260 in 2022.
Park Warden Amit Gwasakoti has observed that the current statistics reflect the efficacy of ongoing conservation strategies, though they bring with them increased responsibilities. He remarked that the Forest Department is now not only focused on securing tiger habitats but is also actively working to pre-empt and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Under Phase 4 protocols, tiger movement is being meticulously tracked to enable timely interventions. He further added that the steady birth of cubs is a promising sign for the future of the species.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Terai West Forest Division, PC Arya, has stated that camera traps and patrolling efforts are being intensified, particularly in rural belts, to enhance monitoring and ensure rapid response in case of emergencies. While the rebounding population of tigers in Corbett is a source of national pride, it presents a twin challenge to continue protecting this iconic species while simultaneously safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the communities residing near their habitats.
Launched in 1973, Project Tiger has steadily advanced towards its long-term conservation objectives, and Uttarakhand today plays a crucial role in this evolving narrative. As the majestic predator continues to reclaim its rightful space in the wild, the state now stands at a pivotal juncture, where ecological success needs to be balanced with greater socio-environmental harmony.
