Tiger numbers climb in Odisha with 32 majestic cats logged in Similipal survey

The forests of Similipal offered a hopeful picture this year, with new signs of tiger activity shaping a positive story for Odisha’s wildlife landscape.

Why has Odisha reported higher tiger numbers this year?
Odisha confirmed increased tiger numbers in its latest assessment. The Forest Department recorded 32 individual tigers in Similipal. The previous internal count had listed 27 tigers earlier. Principal Chief Conservator Prem Kumar Jha shared the updated figures. He said routine internal surveys guide these periodic assessments well. Camera traps captured unique stripe patterns across several forest zones. Nine tiger cubs were also recorded in recent surveys. The cubs appeared during a camera-trap exercise two months earlier.

How does this growth relate to the national census?
Jha said internal counts support work between national estimates. He added the national report will arrive next June. The NTCA will publish the full tiger census officially. Internal numbers will then undergo central validation carefully. The Forest Department expects possible revisions after the audit. Regular internal monitoring helps track changes more frequently. These checks allow staff to detect new tiger activity.

What is happening inside Similipal’s ongoing tiger census?
Similipal began NTCA census fieldwork on 16 November 2025. The work is being completed in two major phases. Teams survey prey density and monitor tiger movements closely. A large camera-trap network supports detailed tracking efforts. In phase one, 103 trained staff covered 103 beats. These beats lie within active southern tiger corridors. Teams recorded pugmarks, scrapes and other field signs. All findings were uploaded through NTCA-linked mobile tools. The reserve plans around 1,500 camera traps in total. Cameras will capture movement, behaviour and territorial activity. Footage will help confirm each tiger’s identity precisely. Stripe patterns and locations offer clear verification when matched. The deployment will continue for several weeks ahead.

What remains before Odisha releases final tiger figures?
The Forest Department has not shared validated totals yet. Internal numbers will be aligned with NTCA assessments later. The nationwide report will offer the final confirmed count. Odisha officials will then adjust their records accordingly. Until then, the internal rise signals positive progress.