Bhubaneswar, April 26: In a major boost to wildlife conservation, the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has reported a notable increase in its tiger population. According to the latest camera trap survey, the reserve is now home to 40 Royal Bengal Tigers, including six cubs, 17 tigresses, and 13 male tigers. The gender of two adult tigers is yet to be determined.

This marks a significant rise from last year’s count of 27 adult tigers and eight cubs, as recorded in the 2024 State Tiger Census — Odisha’s first dedicated tiger population assessment. The increase is attributed to successful breeding, particularly by well-known tigresses Zeenat and Jamuna, who have contributed to the growing tiger population.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, shared the encouraging update with the media. He emphasized that the forest department aims to double the tiger population to 80–100 over the next 10 to 12 years. This ambitious target will be achieved through focused conservation strategies, habitat enhancement, and strong anti-poaching measures.

The latest figures reflect a positive trend in tiger conservation and underline the success of sustained protection efforts in Similipal.

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