India is home to approximately 75 percent of the world’s tiger population, with the Royal Bengal Tiger once abundant but later targeted by poachers. To safeguard this species, Project Tiger was initiated, aiming to conserve and increase tiger numbers across the country. Through the implementation of this project and increased awareness, there have been reports of tiger sightings in areas where they were previously extinct. Recently, Susanta Nanda, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, shared photographs of a tiger sighting in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, marking the first such sighting in almost two decades.
Taking to social media, Susanta Nanda posted images of the Royal Bengal Tiger spotted in the Sundargarh forest, expressing joy at the rare occurrence. According to Nanda, the tiger had migrated from the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, covering a considerable distance to establish its new territory in Odisha. The news garnered widespread positivity on social media, with users celebrating the sighting and expressing enthusiasm for wildlife conservation efforts in Odisha.
Reflecting on the history of tiger conservation in India, it is noteworthy that in 1973, the tiger population dwindled to a concerning 268. However, with the implementation of Project Tiger, there has been a remarkable recovery in tiger numbers. As of 2023, the tiger population in India stands at a maximum of 3,935, with an average of 3,682 tigers across the country. Madhya Pradesh leads with the highest number of unique tigers, boasting 785 individuals within its borders.