Authorities at the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha have launched a comprehensive year-long tiger census aimed at assessing the tiger population in the region.
This initiative is part of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 and will use a combination of advanced technologies and on-ground expertise.
The census involves eight teams comprising 85 trained personnel who will employ AI-powered cameras, trap cameras, and traditional methods such as analyzing footprints and excreta samples. According to the 2022 report, STR hosts 24 adult tigers and eight cubs. The current estimation will verify any changes in the population, whether stable, increased, or decreased.
Spanning 2,750 square kilometers, Similipal National Park is the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia, making it a critical ecological zone. The efforts of STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni and his team will shed light on the health of this vital ecosystem.
