Madhya Pradesh's Tiger Population Expected to Exceed 1000 Next Year
Significant Growth in Tiger Numbers in Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal, July 29 - The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, announced on Wednesday that various wildlife conservation initiatives have led to a notable increase in the tiger population within the state. He projected that the upcoming census next year could reveal that the number of tigers exceeds 1,000. In addition to tigers, he highlighted the conservation efforts for other wildlife species, including cheetahs, gharials, elephants, and wild buffaloes. He stated, “This is a testament to the rapid growth of the tiger population, earning Madhya Pradesh the title of ‘Tiger State.’”
While addressing a state-level event on International Tiger Day, the Chief Minister noted that 53 years ago, the tiger population was in the single digits. By 2016, the number had risen to approximately 250, and the 2022 census recorded 785 tigers. The next census is expected to show a significant increase, surpassing 1,000.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance for the ongoing flourishing of Madhya Pradesh's rich biodiversity.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Madhya Pradesh has gained a unique reputation nationwide for its successful tiger conservation efforts and unwavering commitment. He remarked, “Tigers symbolize our rich forests, biodiversity, and environmental balance. The state government is dedicated to nature and wildlife conservation through public participation.”
He also mentioned that the Chambal River is recognized as Asia's cleanest river, where significant efforts have been made for gharial conservation.
Additionally, gharials have been released into the rivers of the Kuno region, and successful reintroduction efforts for the wild buffalo, which had become extinct in Madhya Pradesh a century ago, have been completed. The Chief Minister noted that until two years ago, there were alarming reports regarding elephants, but the forest department has alleviated these issues through modern technology and innovative strategies. He added, “Rhinoceroses will also be introduced to the state soon.”
Madhya Pradesh is blessed with a rich biodiversity heritage, and the forest department, in collaboration with its officials, local communities, and forest committees, has elevated wildlife conservation efforts in the state.
On this occasion, the Chief Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Committee Rajoura, stated that since the resolution taken in Russia, International Tiger Day has been celebrated annually on July 29 since 2011. He acknowledged Madhya Pradesh's significant contributions to tiger conservation and affirmed that the state government is committed to the protection of all wildlife.
He mentioned that approximately 2.8 million wildlife tourists visit the state each year, including 100,000 international visitors.
“Various activities related to tiger conservation are currently being conducted in all nine tiger reserves in the state. Local communities and forest committees play a crucial role in the tiger conservation campaign,” he added.