Table of Contents
What is Tiger Reserve?
A Tiger Reserve is a protected area established specifically for the conservation of tigers and their natural habitats. In India, tiger reserves are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and are managed as part of Project Tiger, a national conservation programme launched in 1973 to halt the decline of the tiger population. These reserves aim not only to protect tigers but also to conserve entire forest ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.
Each tiger reserve is managed using a core–buffer approach. The core area is kept free from human activity and is meant solely for wildlife conservation, while the surrounding buffer area allows limited and regulated human use such as eco-development and controlled tourism. Tiger reserves play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, safeguarding endangered species, and preserving India’s forest landscapes, making them one of the most important conservation tools in the country.
Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)
Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH), also known as the core area of a tiger reserve, is the most important and strictly protected part of a tiger reserve in India, identified specifically for the long-term conservation of tigers and their prey. It is legally notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, based on scientific evidence and ecological studies.
Human activities such as grazing, resource extraction, and settlements are not permitted in Critical Tiger Habitats to ensure minimal disturbance. These areas are kept inviolate, meaning they are free from human interference, allowing tigers to breed, hunt, and move naturally. The surrounding buffer areas support coexistence with local communities and act as transition zones. Critical Tiger Habitats form the backbone of Project Tiger, ensuring stable tiger populations and maintaining the ecological balance of forest ecosystems.
Total Tiger Reserve in India
As of January 2026, India has a total of 58 Tiger Reserves notified under Project Tiger and administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These tiger reserves are spread across 18 states and together cover a vast area of forest landscapes dedicated to the conservation of tigers, their prey base, and associated biodiversity. Below is the list of total Tiger Reserves in India, based on the year of notification.
| Sl No | Tiger Reserve (State) | Notification Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) | 1973–74 |
| 2. | Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand) | 1973–74 |
| 3. | Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 1973–74 |
| 4. | Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 1973–74 |
| 5. | Melghat Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 1973–74 |
| 6. | Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) | 1973–74 |
| 7. | Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) | 1973–74 |
| 8. | Similipal Tiger Reserve (Odisha) | 1973–74 |
| 9. | Sundarban Tiger Reserve (West Bengal) | 1973–74 |
| 10. | Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 1974 |
| 11. | Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala) | 1978–79 |
| 12. | Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) | 1978–79 |
| 13. | Buxa Tiger Reserve (West Bengal) | 1982–83 |
| 14. | Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) | 1982–83 |
| 15. | Namdapha Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh) | 1982–83 |
| 16. | Nagarjunsagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh) | 1982–83 |
| 17. | Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh) | 1987–88 |
| 18. | Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) | 1988–89 |
| 19. | Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar) | 1989–90 |
| 20. | Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 1992–93 |
| 21. | Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 1993–94 |
| 22. | Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 1993–94 |
| 23. | Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 1993–94 |
| 24. | Dampa Tiger Reserve (Mizoram) | 1994–95 |
| 25. | Bhadra Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) | 1998–99 |
| 26. | Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 1998–99 |
| 27. | Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) | 1999 |
| 28. | Pakke (Pakhui) Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh) | 1999–2000 |
| 29. | Nameri Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 1999–2000 |
| 30. | Satpura Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 1999–2000 |
| 31. | Anamalai (Indira Gandhi) Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) | 2007 |
| 32. | Satkosia Tiger Reserve (Odisha) | 2007 |
| 33. | Kali Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) | 2007 |
| 34. | Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) | 2007 |
| 35. | Udanti–Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) | 2008–09 |
| 36. | Sanjay–Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 2008 |
| 37. | Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 2008 |
| 38. | Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) | 2009 |
| 39. | Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (Kerala) | 2009 |
| 40. | Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) | 2011 |
| 41. | Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) | 2012 |
| 42. | Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 2012 |
| 43. | Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) | 2013 |
| 44. | Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) | 2013 |
| 45. | Navegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 2013 |
| 46. | Ratapani Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 2013 |
| 47. | Amrabad Tiger Reserve (Telangana) | 2014 |
| 48. | Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh) | 2014 |
| 49. | Rajaji Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand) | 2015 |
| 50. | Orang Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 2016 |
| 51. | Kamlang Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh) | 2016 |
| 52. | Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) | 2021 |
| 53. | Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) | 2022 |
| 54. | Ranipur Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh) | 2022 |
| 55. | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 2022 |
| 56. | Guru Ghasidas–Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) | 2022 |
| 57. | Dholpur–Karauli Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) | 2023 |
| 58. | Madhav Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) | 2025 |
Tiger Reserve in India State-wise
Tiger reserves in India are spread across 18 states to ensure the conservation of tigers across diverse ecological regions. Each state hosts one or more tiger reserves based on its forest cover, wildlife richness, and habitat suitability. The state-wise distribution of tiger reserves helps in effective management, regional conservation planning, and balanced protection of tiger populations across the country. Below is the state-wise list of all Tiger Reserves in India.
| State | Tiger Reserves |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 1. Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1. Kamlang Tiger Reserve 2. Namdapha Tiger Reserve 3. Pakke (Pakhui) Tiger Reserve |
| Assam | 1. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve 2. Manas Tiger Reserve 3. Nameri Tiger Reserve 4. Orang Tiger Reserve |
| Bihar | 1. Valmiki Tiger Reserve |
| Chhattisgarh | 1. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve 2. Guru Ghasidas–Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve 3. Indravati Tiger Reserve 4. Udanti–Sitanadi Tiger Reserve |
| Jharkhand | 1. Palamu Tiger Reserve |
| Karnataka | 1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve 2. Bhadra Tiger Reserve 3. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve 4. Kali Tiger Reserve 5. Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) Tiger Reserve |
| Kerala | 1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve 2. Periyar Tiger Reserve |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve 2. Durgavati Tiger Reserve 3. Kanha Tiger Reserve 4. Madhav Tiger Reserve 5. Panna Tiger Reserve 6. Pench Tiger Reserve 7. Ratapani Tiger Reserve 8. Sanjay–Dubri Tiger Reserve 9. Satpura Tiger Reserve |
| Maharashtra | 1. Bor Tiger Reserve 2. Melghat Tiger Reserve 3. Navegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve 4. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve 5. Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve |
| Mizoram | 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve |
| Odisha | 1. Satkosia Tiger Reserve 2. Simlipal Tiger Reserve |
| Rajasthan | 1. Dholpur–Karauli Tiger Reserve 2. Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve 3. Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve 4. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve 5. Sariska Tiger Reserve |
| Tamil Nadu | 1. Anamalai Tiger Reserve 2. Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve 3. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve 4. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 5. Srivilliputhur–Meghamalai Tiger Reserve |
| Telangana | 1. Amrabad Tiger Reserve 2. Kawal Tiger Reserve |
| Uttarakhand | 1. Corbett Tiger Reserve 2. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve 3. Rajaji Tiger Reserve |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1. Amangarh Tiger Reserve 2. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 3. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve 4. Ranipur Tiger Reserve |
| West Bengal | 1. Buxa Tiger Reserve 2. Sundarban Tiger Reserve |
Largest Tiger Reserves in India
India is home to some of the world’s largest tiger reserves, where tigers roam across vast forests, hills, and rivers. The following table lists the top 5 largest tiger reserves in India, showing their total, core, and buffer areas.
| Rank | Tiger Reserve | Total Area (sq km) | Core Area (sq km) | Buffer Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) | 5,937 | 3,721 | 2,216 |
| 2. | Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 2,837.31 | 526.22 | 2,310.88 |
| 3. | Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) | 2,799.07 | 1,258.37 | 1,540.70 |
| 4. | Melghat Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 2,768.52 | 1,500.49 | 1,268.03 |
| 5. | Similipal Tiger Reserve (Odisha) | 2,750 | 1,194.75 | 1,555.25 |
Smallest Tiger Reserves in India
While India’s tiger reserves vary greatly in size, some of the smallest still play a crucial role in tiger conservation. The following table lists the top 5 smallest tiger reserves in India, highlighting their total, core, and buffer areas.
| Rank | Tiger Reserve (State) | Total Area (sq km) | Core Area (sq km) | Buffer Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | 138 | – | – |
| 2. | Nameri Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 344 sq km | 200 sq km | 144 sq km |
| 3. | Orang Tiger Reserve (Assam) | 492.46 | 79.28 | 413.18 |
| 4. | Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) | 553.286 sq km | – | – |
| 5. | Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) | 574.82 | 359.10 | 215.72 |
Total Tigers in India
India is home to the largest population of wild tigers in the world, making the country the global stronghold of tiger conservation. More than 75% of India’s tigers live within protected areas, such as tiger reserves and national parks, which provide safe habitats for breeding and long-term survival. Over the past two decades, India has shown remarkable success in protecting this iconic species through sustained conservation efforts, scientific monitoring, and strong policy support.
Current Tiger Population in India
As per the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2021–2022, India’s tiger population stands at 3,167 tigers. This marks a 6.74% increase from the 2018 estimate of 2,967 tigers, reflecting a steady and positive growth trend. The rise in numbers highlights the effectiveness of habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community participation.
Tiger Census in India
The Tiger Census in India is conducted under the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) programme by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments. It is the largest wildlife monitoring exercise in the world, carried out once every four years.
The census uses advanced scientific methods such as camera trapping, line transect surveys, sign surveys, and statistical modelling to estimate tiger populations across India.
Agencies Involved in Tiger Census
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) | Overall supervision |
| Wildlife Institute of India (WII) | Scientific analysis |
| State Forest Departments | Field data collection |
| NGOs & Experts | Technical support |
Tiger Census Timeline in India
India’s tiger population has steadily recovered since the early 2000s, when numbers were at a historic low. The official estimates show a consistent increase:
| Year | Tiger Population in India |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,411 |
| 2010 | 1,706 |
| 2014 | 2,226 |
| 2018 | 2,967 |
| 2022 | 3,167 |
Growth in Tiger Population
| Period | Increase in Tigers |
|---|---|
| 2006–2010 | +295 |
| 2010–2014 | +520 |
| 2014–2018 | +741 |
| 2018–2022 | +200 |
States with Highest Tiger Population
| Rank | State | Tiger Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madhya Pradesh | 785 |
| 2 | Karnataka | 563 |
| 3 | Uttarakhand | 560 |
| 4 | Maharashtra | 444 |
Tiger Reserves with Highest Tiger Population
| Rank | Tiger Reserve | Tiger Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corbett Tiger Reserve | 260 |
| 2 | Bandipur Tiger Reserve | 150 |
| 3 | Nagarhole Tiger Reserve | 141 |
| 4 | Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | 135 |
| 5 | Dudhwa Tiger Reserve | 135 |
| 6 | Mudumalai Tiger Reserve | 114 |
| 7 | Kanha Tiger Reserve | 105 |
| 8 | Kaziranga Tiger Reserve | 104 |
| 9 | Sundarbans Tiger Reserve | 100 |
| 10 | Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve | 97 |
| 11 | Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve | 85 |
| 12 | Pench Tiger Reserve (MP) | 77 |
Last Tiger Census in India
The last Tiger Census in India was conducted during 2021–2022 under the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) programme by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The results were officially announced on April 9, 2022, marking 50 years of Project Tiger. According to this census, India’s minimum tiger population was estimated at 3,167, based on camera-trapped areas. Further scientific analysis, including non-camera-trapped regions, placed the upper estimate at 3,925 tigers, with an average population of 3,682, reflecting a strong annual growth rate of about 6.1% and reaffirming India’s position as the global leader in tiger conservation.
Project Tiger
Project Tiger is a flagship wildlife conservation programme of the Government of India, launched in 1973, with the primary objective of protecting the Bengal tiger and conserving its natural habitats. It focuses on maintaining a viable population of tigers in India by creating and managing a network of tiger reserves, consisting of core areas (free from human disturbance) and buffer zones (where limited, sustainable human activities are allowed).
The programme is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in partnership with state governments and is based on a science-driven, landscape-level approach. Project Tiger emphasizes habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, scientific monitoring using camera traps and modern technology, corridor conservation, and community participation. Over the decades, it has expanded from 9 tiger reserves in 1973 to more than 50 reserves today, making it one of the most successful wildlife conservation initiatives in the world and helping India emerge as home to nearly 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body of the Government of India, established in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It was created to strengthen tiger conservation in the country following concerns over declining tiger populations and to ensure better protection of tiger habitats.
NTCA is responsible for implementing and monitoring Project Tiger across India. Its key roles include laying down guidelines for tiger reserve management, approving Tiger Conservation Plans, overseeing anti-poaching measures, promoting scientific monitoring using modern technologies, and supporting habitat and corridor conservation. The authority also facilitates coordination between the central and state governments and provides financial assistance for tiger conservation. Through these efforts, NTCA plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s tiger population and maintaining the ecological integrity of tiger landscapes.
M-STrIPES
M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a technology-based monitoring system launched in 2010 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to strengthen tiger conservation in India. It is implemented across tiger reserves to improve protection, ecological monitoring, and management of human–wildlife conflict.
Under M-STrIPES, forest field staff use GPS-enabled mobile devices to collect real-time data during patrols, including tiger sightings, wildlife crimes, habitat conditions, prey abundance, and patrol routes. The collected information is analysed using GIS and statistical tools, enabling better patrol planning, identification of vulnerable areas, assessment of human pressure, and monitoring of habitat changes. The system also supports geotagged documentation of conflict incidents and includes emergency SOS features for field staff.
M-STrIPES promotes transparent, scientific, and data-driven conservation, and was effectively used during the All India Tiger Estimation 2018 (Tiger Census), making it a vital tool under Project Tiger.