Telangana: Tiger population in Amrabad Tiger Reserve increases from 33 to 36

The tiger population in Amrabad Tiger Reserve rose from 33 to 36, including a spike in breeding females. The findings follow Phase IV monitoring by the Forest Department and reflect the success of Project Tiger and ongoing conservation efforts

Hyderabad: The tiger population has increased from 33 to 36 individuals in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR). These details were announced by the Forest Department after the successful completion of Phase IV Tiger Monitoring for the year 2024–25 at ATR.

The results reveal a significant and encouraging increase in the tiger population, highlighting the impact of sustained conservation initiatives under Project Tiger.

The 2024–25 monitoring recorded 36 individual tigers compared to 33 in the previous year. The number of adult tigers also rose from 26 to 34, reflecting a steady positive trend, and they are all relatively young.

An important aspect noted in the study was the increase in the number of breeding females. Among the 36 tigers, 20 are females and by next year, there is every possibility of these tigers giving birth to about 20 cubs, said a senior official from ATR.

“In the next four to five years, the tiger population in Amrabad will increase substantially, making it one of the best reserves in the country,” the official said.

The monitoring exercise was carried out in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms. During the exercise, 10 forest ranges were covered, and they were divided into four spatial blocks for effective and systematic data collection.

A total of 1,594 camera traps were deployed from December 20, 2024, to May 15, 2025. As many as 797 grid locations (each two square km) were covered, combining camera trap data with indirect signs such as pugmarks, scats, scrape and rake marks.

The steady growth in tiger population at ATR was the result of relentless efforts put in by frontline staff and local communities. In addition, focus was laid on habitat protection, anti-poaching strategies, and continuous ecological monitoring under Project Tiger.