Nine subspecies of tiger once lived in the world. Three of these -- Javan, Caspian and Balinese tigers became extinct. Now nine types of tigers live in thirteen countries of the world.
According to the WWF, there are approximately only 4,500 tigers left in the wild. However, some estimates put the number even lower.
Habitat loss is a major factor in the decline in wild tiger populations.
Unfortunately, because of poaching and habitat loss, more than 95 percent of tigers have been killed, leaving the remaining 5 percent severely endangered. Tigers play a crucial role in the food chain and in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Tiger Population and Reserves in India 2023
■ Tiger Population in India has increased to 3,167, according to a recent census of 2022.
■ This is a significant improvement from 1973 when a census revealed that tigers in India were quickly becoming extinct due to habitat loss, hunting, poaching, and killings by locals.
■ The Government of India started Project Tiger in 1973 to address this issue, resulting in 53 tiger reserves in India, up from nine when the project began.
■ Tiger numbers almost doubled from 2006 to 2018, reaching 2,967, and are now above 3,000.
■ There are presently 53 tiger reserves covering more than 75,000 sq km or over 2.4% of India’s total geographical area.
■ Bandipur Tiger Reserve is the first Tiger Reserve in India.
■ The Guru Ghasidas National Park and the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary are the newest Tiger Reserve of India in 2023. This is the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India and is located in Chhattisgarh.
■ In terms of extent, the largest Tiger reserve is Nagarjunasagar Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh (3,296.31 sq km) followed by Manas in Assam (2,837.10 sq km) and Indravati in Chhattisgarh (2,799.07 sq km).
■ The smallest Tiger reserve is Orang in Assam (492 sq km).
■ More than 75% of the tiger population in the world is currently found in India, and their numbers are growing at a pace of 6% annually.