Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Records 42 Tigers in Annual Machan Census
The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur has documented 42 tiger sightings as part of its annual 'machan census', a comprehensive wildlife count that recorded 5,765 animals. The census was conducted on May 1, coinciding with the Buddha Purnima full moon, and focused on tracking wildlife activity around waterholes during the peak summer heat.
Prey-Predator Dynamics Highlighted
The census underscores a robust prey-predator relationship within the reserve. Herbivores constituted over 53% of all sightings, with spotted deer (1,745), grey langur (1,020), and sambar (623) being the most numerous. This abundant prey base supports the reserve's apex predators. Observers recorded 42 tigers and 13 leopards across both the core and buffer zones.
Increased Public Participation in Buffer Zones
A notable trend this year was the high level of public involvement in buffer area monitoring. While forest staff managed 99 machans in the core forest, citizens booked 54 of the 69 available machans in the buffer zone through an online system. Interestingly, tiger sightings were higher in the buffer area (23) compared to the core (19), indicating that wildlife is thriving well beyond the strictly protected central forest.
Diverse Species Documented
Beyond big cats, the census recorded a wide variety of species, including Indian gaur (547), wild boar (480), and over 500 Indian peafowl. Rare sightings of sloth bear (80) and honey badger (8) further highlight the ecological health of the park.
Conservation Implications
Field Director Prabhu Nath Shukla emphasized that this data is crucial for long-term habitat management and conservation planning. By monitoring these patterns, authorities can better protect the delicate biological corridors that make Tadoba a premier tiger habitat.
