In a significant stride toward ecological preservation and wildlife protection, the Uttar Pradesh government has reported a steady and encouraging rise in the state’s tiger population — from 173 tigers in 2018 to 222 in 2022.
This growth is not just a statistical achievement but a testament to years of focused conservation efforts, habitat rejuvenation, modern surveillance, and active community engagement. The announcement coincides with International Tiger Day, being observed across the state with widespread awareness programs and community participation.
Tigers: Guardians of the Ecosystem
Tigers, as apex predators, play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the ecological balance of the forests they inhabit. Their presence signifies the health of an ecosystem.
Protecting tigers means protecting forests, and by extension, safeguarding the critical natural resources that sustain human life — clean air, freshwater, and climate regulation. In this light, the rise in their population is a reflection of healthier forest ecosystems in Uttar Pradesh.
Conservation Anchored in Community and Technology
Key to this success is the ‘Bagh Mitra’ initiative, launched in 2019 and expanded via a mobile app in 2023. It embodies a model of conservation where local villagers — including women, elders, and youth — become partners in protection, rather than mere bystanders. In Pilibhit district alone, over 120 villagers have been trained and empowered to monitor and report wildlife activity using digital tools.
These real-time alerts, complete with photos and GPS tagging, allow the forest department to respond rapidly to potential threats or animal movement — significantly reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
The Power of Patrolling and Protection
Under the M-Stripes (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) framework, forest teams patrol vast areas using a combination of vehicles, boats, elephants, bicycles, and even on foot.
For example, in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, staff cover over 1.5 lakh kilometres per month, while in Katarniaghat alone, over 41,000 kilometres are patrolled monthly. Such vigilance ensures that poaching, encroachment, and illegal activities are swiftly detected and prevented.
Flagship Reserves and Their Recovery
Among the four major tiger habitats in Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve leads with 135 tigers — a dramatic rise from just 68 in 2014. It is followed by Pilibhit Tiger Reserve with 63, Amangarh with 20, and Ranipur with four tigers.
Each reserve has seen improvements in prey base, habitat conditions, and human outreach, making them not only safer for wildlife but more resilient ecosystems overall.
Celebrating Nature, Inspiring Action
On International Tiger Day, the state is hosting a range of activities to build awareness — from a “walkathon” at the Lucknow Zoo featuring Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena and senior officials, to community events in tiger landscapes like Pilibhit.
These events aim to instill a sense of shared responsibility in citizens — reminding us that saving tigers is not just about protecting a species, but about preserving our future.
By investing in forest protection and biodiversity, Uttar Pradesh is laying the groundwork for climate resilience, sustainable development, and environmental security. In a world grappling with deforestation and rising global temperatures, these efforts are not just admirable — they are essential.
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