Tigress spotted in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve after 8 years, new entry in Tiger Census 2026 records
Gariyaband, June 24
A tigress has been spotted in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh after a gap of eight years, adding yet another tally to the ongoing All India Tiger Census 2026, officials said.
The tigress was captured on trap cameras installed as part of the national census exercise. Following preliminary verification, the images were shared with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which reportedly found no previous record of the animal, indicating that she is being added as a new entry in the country's tiger population records.
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain said the development reflects positive progress in the reserve's conservation efforts.
"The ongoing All India Tiger Census 2026 in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve has yielded a positive result. Photos and videos of a tigress are being continuously captured by trap cameras, and it is suspected that she is establishing her territory within this tiger reserve. This is the first time in eight years that a tigress has made Udanti her home. Previously, in April 2025, a male tiger arrived here. He roamed for six to eight months and then moved away because the tigress was not present at that time," Jain said.
He added that continued conservation measures are being undertaken to strengthen tiger habitation and movement corridors in the region.
"We are confident that we will certainly see new tigers here. We have established numerous facilities to ensure tigers stay here. For example, we have installed solar-powered pumps. We have constructed several crevices to provide water to wild animals. Along with this, our anti-poaching operation is ongoing from Maharashtra to Odisha to ensure the corridor remains safe," he said.
Jain further said the reserve is also promoting eco-tourism activities alongside conservation work.
"Currently, since only one or two tigers are available in the tiger reserve, we have started gypsy safaris here. Along with tigers, we are also attracting other rare species like flying squirrels and rainbow squirrels. Birds like the Malabar-billed Hornbill, found in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats, are also found here. Focusing on them, we are conducting trekking programs, bird-watching programs, gypsy safaris, and homestays. In the future, we are preparing to provide employment to the local people," he added.
Officials said the presence of the tigress is being viewed as a positive indicator for habitat recovery and could further strengthen tiger conservation efforts in the region.
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the tiger population has increased to 3682 in 2022, as compared to 2967 in 2018. For conservation of tigers, 58 tiger reserves have been notified in India which occupy nearly 2.5% of the geographical area of the country. As part of a conservation effort, the Government of India, through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has propagated a 3-pronged strategy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why it took 8 years to spot a tigress? The reserve must have better monitoring systems now. Also, 58 tiger reserves is impressive but we need to ensure they're all properly funded. Eco-tourism sounds good but hope it doesn't disturb the wildlife.
Wah! Tiger numbers from 2967 in 2018 to 3682 in 2022 - that's real progress yaar. Our conservation efforts are paying off. But we need to be careful about human-wildlife conflict as tiger populations increase. Local communities need more support.
As someone involved in wildlife conservation, this is fantastic news. The solar-powered pumps and water crevices mentioned show thoughtful management. The Malabar-billed Hornbill spotting is also exciting - shows biodiversity is recovering. Hope this inspires other reserves.
Good news but let's not get too carried away. One tigress doesn't mean the reserve is fully recovered. We need sustained effort over years. Also, the previous male leaving because no tigress was there shows how fragile these habitats are. Hope the anti-poaching measures are strict enough. 🐾
Brilliant! Chhattisgarh's forests are so underrated for wildlife. The fact that flying squirrels and rainbow squirrels are being attracted too shows the ecosystem is thriving. But I hope the gypsy safaris and homestays benefit local people as promised - that's the real test of success.
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