Why in news?
The forest department of Andhra Pradesh is gearing up for the All India Tiger Estimation 2026. The Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), India’s largest tiger reserve, will be a focus of the census because its tiger population has been steadily rising.
Background
NSTR covers about 3,728 square kilometres across multiple districts of Andhra Pradesh. The reserve consists of rugged hills, plateaus, ridges and deep valleys bisected by the Krishna River. Its forests range from tropical dry deciduous to moist deciduous, with bamboo groves and grassy clearings. Home to around 50 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and many reptiles, amphibians and insects, NSTR harbours iconic fauna such as Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs and sambar deer. The area also contains ancient temples and historic ruins, making it culturally significant.
About the upcoming census
- Four‑tier method: The tiger estimation will combine ground surveys (pug mark tracking and scat analysis), camera traps, satellite and drone imagery, and statistical modelling to produce robust population estimates.
- Timeline: Surveys will run from November 2025 to March 2026 across both core and buffer zones. Forest guards, volunteers and researchers will participate.
- Rising numbers: The reserve’s tiger population has grown from about 48 in 2014 to more than 86 in 2024. New corridors linking Nallamala forests to nearby Seshachalam hills are being developed to facilitate tiger movement and reduce human–wildlife conflict.
- Inclusive monitoring: The census will also document populations of leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears and herbivores to evaluate the reserve’s overall health.
Significance
- Conservation planning: Accurate counts enable better allocation of resources under Project Tiger. They also help assess the success of anti‑poaching measures and habitat management.
- Ecological corridors: By identifying travel routes used by tigers and other large mammals, authorities can secure inter‑state corridors and mitigate conflicts with humans.
- Public awareness: Highlighting the reserve’s biodiversity and successes can generate support for conservation and eco‑tourism in the region.
Conclusion
The forthcoming tiger census at NSTR will offer insights into the conservation status of one of India’s most important wildlife habitats. Continued protection of the reserve’s forests and corridors will be crucial to sustaining its growing tiger population and the myriad of other species that depend on it.
Sources: The Times of India, NSTR Official Website