The Odisha Forest Department’s first All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) report for 2023-24 indicates a growth in the tiger population within the state.
During the AOTE survey, 27 unique adult tigers were camera-trapped in Odisha, with additional evidence of three adult tigers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) that were not captured on camera. These 27 tigers consist of 14 males and 13 females, and the STR houses the highest number with 24 big cats. Within the STR, there are 11 usual color morph tigers (seven females and four males), 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers (seven females and six males), and eight tiger cubs.
The Odisha Forest Department’s official release stated, “The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE), 2023-2024, was conducted across 47 forest divisions with a focus on intensive state-level tiger monitoring. A comprehensive field survey was carried out to identify tiger signs such as pugmarks, scrapes, scats, rakes, urine spray, vocalization, and livestock depredation.”
Areas with confirmed signs of tigers were extensively camera-trapped to establish the minimum number of unique adult tigers based on their distinctive stripe patterns.
The methodology of identifying tigers through camera-trap images is scientifically accepted and is also used in the All India Tiger Estimation exercises.
“In total, 27 unique adult tigers were camera-trapped in Odisha during the AOTE survey, comprising 14 females and 13 males. Evidence of another 3 adult tigers was also found in the Similipal tiger reserve, although they were not camera-trapped,” the release mentioned.
Furthermore, it highlighted that the Similipal Tiger Reserve currently holds the largest share of the state’s tiger population with 24 unique adult tigers. Similipal is also the habitat for all adult female tigers in the state, with a total of 13 adult tigers (seven females and six males) exhibiting pseudo-melanistic traits. Seven tiger cubs under a year old were also photographed in Similipal.
Apart from Similipal, the Hirakud Wildlife Division and Paralakhemundi Territorial Forest Division each have one adult male tiger, while another adult male tiger was observed in the Greater Similipal Tiger Landscape.
The tiger population in Odisha has seen an increase from the previous estimate in 2022. The Similipal Tiger Reserve, now hosting 27 unique adult tigers, has experienced growth from the 16 tigers captured via camera traps in 2021-2022.
This rise is credited to strict management actions and scientific conservation practices. The sighting of eight unique tiger cubs during AOTE 2023 indicates a growing population in the Similipal landscape.
Similipal’s pseudo-melanistic tigers are globally unique.
The discovery of three unique adult male tigers in Hirakud Wildlife Division, Paralakhemundi Territorial Division, Keonjhar Territorial, and Keonjhar Wildlife Division offers hope for the tiger population in these regions.
There is also significant potential for tiger recovery in Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary outside of these areas.
