As of a report released on International Tiger Day in July 2025, the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has the third-highest tiger density in the world, with 18.65 tigers per 100 square kilometers. The population assessment was the first of its kind to include the reserve’s full landscape.
Key findings from the “Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024” report include:
- Total tigers: The total number of tigers reached 148, a significant increase from the 104 recorded in 2022.
- Ranking: Kaziranga’s tiger density ranks it third globally, trailing only the Bandipur and Corbett tiger reserves.
- Population breakdown: The survey identified 83 females, 55 males, and 10 tigers of undetermined sex.
- Survey method: The population was assessed between December 2023 and April 2024 using a scientifically rigorous method that deployed 293 camera traps. The process yielded over 4,000 tiger images and covered an area of 1,307.49 square kilometers.
The successful conservation outcomes were attributed to several key initiatives:
- First-time sampling: The inclusion of the Biswanath Wildlife Division in the survey for the first time accounted for 27 newly recorded tigers.
- Habitat expansion: The reserve’s area was expanded by 200 square kilometers in recent years. This includes reclaiming 12.82 square kilometers of encroachment-free land, which has increased habitat and forest connectivity.
- Improved protection: Enhanced anti-poaching measures, including advanced technology such as drones, infrared cameras, and the M-STrIPES monitoring system, have led to better tracking and protection of tigers.
- Community involvement: Local communities have been engaged in conservation programs, which helps foster a shared commitment to protecting wildlife.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Status of Tigers in Kaziranga 2024’ report released in July 2025:
I. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) now has the third-highest tiger density in the world
II. The report stated a tiger density of 18.65 tigers per 100 square kilometers in the reserve, trailing only after Bandipur and Corbett Tiger Reserves in India
III. The recent assessment was the first of its kind to include the reserve’s full landscape, including the Biswanath Wildlife Division
% of the total discoveries
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer: c
Explanation: Statement I is correct: The report, released on International Tiger Day in July 2025, confirmed that Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has the third-highest tiger density globally, a significant conservation achievement. Statement II is correct: The specific density recorded was 18.65 tigers per 100 sq. km. This density places it third, behind Bandipur (19.83/100 sq. km) and Corbett (19.56/100 sq. km). Statement III is correct: A key reason for the increase in the total tiger count (from 104 in 2022 to 148 in 2024) was the first-time inclusion of the entire Kaziranga landscape in the sampling, specifically incorporating new areas like the Biswanath Wildlife Division. The survey used the sophisticated Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) method following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) protocols.
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