The tiger population in Madhya Pradesh has experienced a remarkable upswing, reaching 785 in 2022 from a previous count of 526 in 2018, according to the statement made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday. The news comes as CM Chouhan extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of the state on the occasion of International Tiger Day.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India jointly released a report titled 'Status of Tigers: Co-predators & Prey in India-2022', which revealed the significant increase in the tiger population. According to the report, Madhya Pradesh has the most tigers in the country, outnumbering other states such as Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand (560).
According to the comprehensive survey, an impressive 259 tigers have been added to Madhya Pradesh's forests over the last four years.
"It is a matter of great pleasure that as a result of cooperation from the people of our state and untiring efforts of the Forest Department, the number of tigers in our state has increased to 785 from 526 in four years," said CM in a tweet.
In his message, Chief Minister Chouhan urged citizens to band together in their commitment to preserve nature for the benefit of future generations, underscoring the significance of International Tiger Day.
Madhya Pradesh, which once faced a tiger population decline, has reclaimed its leadership position in tiger conservation. The tiger population was 300 in 2006, but it dropped to 257 in 2010, losing the top spot to Karnataka.
Nonetheless, the tide turned in Madhya Pradesh's favour, and the state recorded an impressive 406 tigers in 2014, surpassing its previous count of 300 in 2010. Karnataka, on the other hand, reported 524 tigers in 2018, falling short of Madhya Pradesh's 526 count, indicating the resurgence of Madhya Pradesh's tiger population and reclaiming the top spot.
Madhya Pradesh boasts six tiger reserves: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench, Satpura, and Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve.