Tiger Reserves in India (2025)

Tiger Reserves in India (2025): Overview, Distribution, and Key Facts

Relevant for UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 (Geography – Environment, Biodiversity) and GS Paper 3 (Ecology, Wildlife Conservation). Knowledge of state-wise reserves, key tiger habitats, and conservation policies is essential for both prelims and mains.

Introduction

India is home to the world’s largest population of wild tigers and the most extensive network of tiger reserves. Under the umbrella of Project Tiger, launched in 1973, the country has designated protected areas to ensure the survival and growth of Panthera tigris populations. These reserves conserve not only tigers but also some of the country’s richest biodiversity hotspots, supporting ecological stability and enriching India’s wildlife heritage.

History and Evolution

• Project Tiger was started in 1973 at Jim Corbett National Park, the first-ever reserve, to reverse the rapid decline in tiger numbers.
• The project’s expansion saw a growing number of reserves, advanced conservation policies, anti-poaching initiatives, and community-based involvement.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) now supervises these reserves, while integrating technology, scientific monitoring, and forest staff training.

Number and Spread (2025)

• Total Tiger Reserves: 58 (as of March 2025).
• Newest Addition: Madhav Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh (March 2025).
• Total Area: 82,836.44 sq km (approx).
• States Covered: 18 states across the Indian subcontinent.
• Tiger Population: Over 3,600 wild tigers roam these reserves (2023 count).

List of Major Tiger Reserves

Note: Madhya Pradesh (“Tiger State of India”) holds the largest number of reserves.

Largest, Smallest, & Unique Reserves

• Largest Tiger Reserve: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana (~3,500 sq km)
• Smallest Tiger Reserve: Bor, Maharashtra (~130 sq km)
• First Tiger Reserve: Jim Corbett (then Hailey National Park), Uttarakhand

Recent Developments

• Madhav Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) is the latest, bringing the total up to 58.
• Focus on improving infrastructures such as monitoring, protection, eco-development, and corridors for tiger dispersal.

Ecological Role and Benefits

• Tiger reserves serve as umbrella sites, preserving not only tigers but also hundreds of other animal and plant species.
• They play a vital role in maintaining the health of entire forest ecosystems, strengthening water sources, and providing livelihoods through eco-tourism.

Conservation Challenges

• Poaching: Continues to be a threat for both tigers and prey species.
• Habitat Fragmentation: Increasing human pressure from villages, roads, and mining activities.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Straying tigers and livestock/people confrontations, especially on reserve fringes.
• Climate Change: Alters prey availability, water regimes, and forest dynamics.

Key Initiatives and Policies

• Project Tiger: Central government scheme for funding, staffing, and scientific management.
• NTCA: Oversees monitoring, legal protection, funding, and periodic assessment.
• CAMPA Funds: Compensatory afforestation used for habitat restoration and anti-poaching.
• Relocation of Villages: Some core zones have seen village relocation to provide undisturbed habitats.
• Use of Technology: Camera traps, genetic sampling, drone monitoring, and e-patrolling.

Conclusion

Tiger Reserves are the backbone of India’s wildlife protection strategy, pivotal for the global survival of this iconic species. Effective conservation management, state and central government synergy, community involvement, and technological integration will further strengthen India’s role as the global leader in tiger conservation.