Rajasthan: Ahead of International Tiger Day, officials have announced a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in Rajasthan, with the state’s total tiger population climbing to 149 across its five major tiger reserves. This marks a steady increase from the 135 tigers recorded last year, reflecting the success of sustained habitat management and protection initiatives. The population growth is distributed across the Ranthambore, Sariska, Dholpur-Karauli, Mukundara Hills, and Ramgarh Vishdhari reserves, signaling a robust recovery for the species in the region.
Chief Wildlife Warden KC Arun Prasad confirmed that the growth is driven by successful breeding cycles, with 54 tigresses across the state giving birth to 53 cubs this year, outperforming the 43 cubs recorded in 2025. The Sariska Tiger Reserve emerged as a significant contributor to this demographic shift, documenting the highest number of births with 28 cubs. Currently, Ranthambore remains the state’s primary tiger stronghold, housing 72 individuals—comprising 50 adults and 22 cubs—up from 66 last year, while Sariska’s population has risen to 56.
Wildlife experts have credited this resurgence to the health of Rajasthan’s dry deciduous forests and an abundant prey base, particularly populations of sambar and chital that support apex predators. Ranthambore, in particular, boasts an impressive 80 per cent cub survival rate, ranking it among the most successful reserves in India. Much of this success is historically attributed to the legendary tigress Machli (T-16), whose descendants have been instrumental in repopulating Sariska, Mukundara, and Ramgarh Vishdhari following local extinctions and conservation gaps.
However, the rapid population growth has introduced new management complexities. With Ranthambore currently supporting 72 tigers against an estimated carrying capacity of 40 to 50, spatial pressure is mounting. Wildlife biologist Dharmendra Khandal noted that dispersing tigers are increasingly moving beyond established boundaries into Mukundara Hills, Ramgarh Vishdhari, and neighbouring forests in Madhya Pradesh. To mitigate territorial conflict and ensure long-term sustainability, experts are calling for accelerated habitat expansion, specifically focusing on transforming the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary into a fully functional tiger landscape to accommodate the expanding population.
