Significant Increase in Tiger Population at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

A recent assessment highlights a 64% increase in the tiger population at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, attributed to better habitat management and community engagement. The count rose from 82 in 2018 to 135 in 2022, with surrounding areas also seeing growth. Officials are optimistic about continued increases, with a comprehensive tiger census planned for 2026. In celebration of World Tiger Day, a 24-hour patrol was conducted, showcasing the commitment to wildlife conservation in the region. Read on to learn more about the efforts and future plans for tiger conservation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 12:17 IST

Tiger Population Growth in Dudhwa

In Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, a recent all-India tiger assessment reveals a remarkable 64% increase in the tiger population at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) between 2018 and 2022. According to officials, this surge in numbers can be attributed to improved habitat management, technology-driven monitoring, and active involvement from local communities. Dr. H. Rajmohan, the field director and chief conservator of forests at DTR, informed a news agency that the tiger count rose from 82 in 2018 to 135 in 2022.

When considering the surrounding areas of the reserve, the tiger population increased from 107 to 153, marking a growth of approximately 43%. Rajmohan emphasized that the combination of traditional and modern techniques, along with community cooperation and enhanced habitat management, has played a crucial role in this increase. He expressed optimism that the upward trend in tiger numbers would continue. Rajmohan also serves as the nodal officer for the upcoming 2026 tiger census across Uttar Pradesh's four tiger reserves.

For the tiger census, camera traps will be installed from November 2025 to April 2026 across all tiger reserves and adjacent areas in the state. He mentioned that around 1,800 cameras were deployed to capture images of the tigers, resulting in over 150,000 photographs collected last month. These images have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun, where scientists will analyze them over the coming months to determine the tiger population in Dudhwa and other reserves.

On a related note, in celebration of World Tiger Day, a 24-hour long-distance patrol was conducted at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on Tuesday. Jagdish R., the deputy director of the reserve, reported that this initiative, which began on Monday, involved participation from sub-divisional officers, regional officials, forest guards, and monitoring personnel. Various modes of transportation, including elephants, four-wheelers, two-wheelers, tractors, and boats, were utilized to reach all parts of the reserve.