Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Reports Decline in Tiger Numbers in Recent Internal Assessment
An internal survey conducted within the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has revealed a notable decrease in its tiger population, sparking discussions among conservationists and wildlife authorities. The reserve, which includes Dudhwa National Park and the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary located in Lakhimpur Kheri district, documented this drop through a comprehensive count carried out by WWF-India.
Survey Findings and Comparative Analysis
The internal tiger count indicates a reduction of five tigers when compared to the 2022 figures projected by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Specifically, the survey shows that Dudhwa National Park's tiger population declined from 53 in 2022 to 48 in 2025. In contrast, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary recorded a modest increase of two tigers, while the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve experienced significant growth, adding 12 tigers over the same period.
Dr Mudit Gupta, senior landscape coordinator at WWF-India, explained the methodology behind the internal survey. "The internal tiger count identifies tigers through camera traps, pug marks, and scat analysis," he stated. "The NTCA's national estimates, on the other hand, use scientific models to extrapolate and account for tigers that may not be directly observed."
Expert Insights on Population Dynamics
Wildlife experts have suggested that the observed decline may not necessarily indicate a loss of tigers but could stem from differences in counting methods and natural tiger movement patterns. Dr Yadvendradev Jhala, former dean of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), emphasized this point. "The decline may reflect the movement of tigers out of certain areas. Some tigers migrate from their natal territories to other forest pockets in search of better habitat, which can affect counts in a specific region," he noted.
Further elaborating on this phenomenon, Dr Ayan Sadhu, senior scientist at WII's tiger cell, highlighted the dispersal of sub-adult male tigers as a natural occurrence. "This movement is influenced by habitat size, prey availability, water resources, and human disturbance. It can impact population estimates for a given area at a specific time," he explained.
Regional Variations and Ecological Considerations
The disparity in tiger numbers across different reserves has raised questions among wildlife enthusiasts. While Dudhwa National Park saw a decrease, Kishanpur and Pilibhit reserves showed growth. Experts pointed out that Pilibhit's reported tiger population of 71 exceeds its ecological capacity, which is estimated to be between 30 to 35 tigers. This overpopulation may be forcing adolescent males to leave in search of new territories, potentially contributing to the fluctuations observed in the survey.
The internal report was shared with DTR authorities in the second week of February and later forwarded to the state's principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife), Anuradha Vemuri. Officials from both DTR and the PCCF office have declined to comment on the findings, maintaining a cautious stance as further analysis is conducted.
This survey underscores the complex dynamics of tiger conservation, where population counts can vary due to methodological approaches and the natural behaviors of these majestic animals. Continued monitoring and adaptive management strategies will be essential to ensure the long-term survival of tigers in the region.
