In a routine endeavor aimed at assessing the population of big cats and other carnivorous animals, the State Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister of Karnataka, Eshwar Khandre, announced on Monday that the sixth nationwide tiger estimation exercise has commenced across all forest areas of the state. The exercise will span over major tiger reserves, including Kali, Bhadra, Nagarahole, Bandipur, and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve.
Minister Khandre made his remarks during an interaction with reporters in the state capital. He elucidated that this exercise, which takes place once every four years, is a crucial step in monitoring the tiger population and ensuring their preservation.
Historically, Karnataka has been recognized as one of the Indian states with the highest tiger populations, with estimates placing it second in the country, counting around 563 tigers. The data obtained from this ongoing exercise will contribute valuable insights into the current status of big cats within the state’s forest reserves.
Ramesh Kumar, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) chairman, emphasized the importance of these exercises in maintaining a healthy balance between human habitats and wildlife sanctuaries. He stressed that regular monitoring and assessment are essential for implementing effective conservation strategies.
The nationwide tiger estimation exercise is an integral part of India’s ambitious Tiger Project, launched in 2014 to double the country’s tiger population by 2022. With the sixth such exercise underway, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts await the results, hoping for a continuation of Karnataka’s reputation as a thriving tiger habitat.
