Tigers Outside Reserves Initiative

April 3, 2025

Recent reports indicate that nearly 30% of the country’s estimated 3,682 tigers reside outside designated reserves. To address this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is working on a project called “Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves.” This initiative, discussed in a recent National Board for Wildlife meeting, has received preliminary approval and is set to receive funding of Rs 176.45 crore until 2026-27.

Project Objectives

The main goals of the project include monitoring tiger populations outside reserves, reducing poaching, and addressing human-animal conflict. Community outreach will also be a focus area.

Current Mechanism

Tigers outside reserves are found in forests managed by state forest departments. When tigers move out of protected areas, they may come into conflict with humans, attack livestock, or face poaching. This also forces other predators, like leopards, to move closer to human settlements, increasing the risk of conflicts.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Human-wildlife conflict has become a pressing issue, particularly in regions like Wayanad, Chandrapur, and Pilibhit. Tigers moving outside reserves increase the likelihood of conflicts with humans, leading to livestock losses and potential injuries or fatalities. The project aims to mitigate these conflicts through better monitoring and community engagement.

Implementation Strategy

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will implement the project in 80 forest divisions across ten states. These areas have been identified based on the all-India tiger estimation of 2022 and recent conflict trends. The initiative will supplement existing funding under Project Tiger, enhancing conservation efforts.

Funding

The ministry is seeking additional funding from the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). This funding will support afforestation and wildlife conservation projects. The proposal will undergo further review to ensure no overlaps with existing Project Tiger initiatives.

Statistics and Impact

Between 2020 and 2024, 378 human fatalities due to tiger conflicts were reported. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh had the highest death tolls. These statistics underline the urgent need for effective conflict resolution strategies and better monitoring of tiger populations.

Geographical Distribution

India’s estimated tiger population is distributed across various landscapes, including the Shivalik Hills, Terai plains, Central Indian Highlands, and the Sundarbans. The Central Indian Highlands and Eastern Ghats house the largest populations.

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