On Global Tiger Day, WWF-India releases a report highlighting tiger recovery at Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh – Marking the occasion of Global Tiger Day, WWF-India released an important report titled “Recovering Stripes – A Population Status of Tigers and Their Prey in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh” in Bilaspur today. Based on a recent population estimation exercise by WWF-India and supported by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, the report reveals encouraging signs of tiger recovery in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR).
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Mr Manoj Kumar Pandey, CCF Wildlife and Field Director, ATR; Mr Ganesh UR, Deputy Director, ATR; Mr Sanjay Lutha, Assistant Director (Core), ATR; Mr Manvendra Singh, Assistant Director (Buffer), ATR; Mr Karan Bhalla, COO, WWF-India; Ms Kaveri Jain, Director, Marketing and Communication, WWF-India; Mr Sanket Bhale, Director, Central India Landscape, WWF-India; along with WWF-India team members and other officials from the Chhattisgarh Forest Department.
According to the study, the tiger population in ATR, which had remained stagnant at five individuals for several years, is now showing significant growth. As of December 2023, camera traps recorded ten tigers, including several dispersing individuals from neighbouring reserves such as Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of tiger population trends, prey availability, and habitat connectivity in ATR. Located in central India, Achanakmar is one of three tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh and plays a crucial role in the tiger corridor network, connecting Kanha in the southwest and Bandhavgarh in the northwest. These corridors are vital for enabling tiger movement, maintaining genetic diversity, and ensuring sustainable populations of wide-ranging species.
Upendra Dubey, WWF-India, remarked, “For the first time in about 15 years, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve has a tiger population comprising multiple breeding-age tigers, with an optimal sex ratio and the presence of numerous litters. Conditions now appear conducive for steady population growth, supported by the periodic immigration of tigers from surrounding areas.”
He further added, “The habitat connectivity of Achanakmar with protected areas in Madhya Pradesh and other tiger-occupied forests has been critical to this recovery. Maintaining and strengthening these linkages is key to sustaining the momentum.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Manoj Kumar Pandey, CCF Wildlife and Field Director, ATR, said, “The Department of Forest and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh, has been actively engaged in wildlife conservation at ATR, with WWF-India providing crucial technical support. This report presents a comprehensive assessment of tiger populations and prey availability using rigorous scientific methodologies. These findings offer valuable insights for developing effective conservation and management strategies for Achanakmar.”
In addition to assessing tiger populations, the study also evaluated ungulate (prey) species density in ATR. It highlights the importance of prey base recovery, especially in areas with low prey density. Therefore, ensuring a healthy prey population is essential for the long-term sustainability of the tiger population in Achanakmar.
WWF-India, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, has been actively involved in various conservation efforts at Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. These include habitat management, capacity building for frontline forest staff, and community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable conservation.
For more information, please get in touch with Sneha Tiwari at stiwari@wwfindia.net or call her at 7489805001.
