Tiger Reserves in India: Complete Details on Project Tiger & Latest Updates
Home Academy –
India is home to the largest population of wild tigers in the world. Through systematic conservation under Project Tiger, the country has successfully revived tiger numbers and expanded protected habitats across multiple states.
Today, tiger reserves form the backbone of India’s biodiversity conservation strategy and represent one of the most successful wildlife programmes globally.
Introduction to Project Tiger
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). At the time of launch, tiger numbers had drastically declined due to:
• Poaching
• Habitat destruction
• Hunting during colonial and princely periods
• Decline in prey population
The project initially started with 9 tiger reserves and has now expanded to 58 tiger reserves across India.
The programme is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Objectives of Project Tiger
The main objectives are:
Protect tigers from extinction
Ensure viable tiger populations in natural habitats
Preserve biodiversity and forest ecosystems
Promote scientific monitoring and conservation
Minimise human–tiger conflict
Encourage eco-development around buffer zones
What is a Tiger Reserve?
A Tiger Reserve is a protected area designated specifically for tiger conservation. It consists of:
Core Area
This is strictly protected with no human activity permitted except for scientific research.
Buffer Area
This surrounds the core and allows limited human activity such as sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism and community use.
This core-buffer strategy ensures ecological balance and community participation.
First Tiger Reserve in India
The first tiger reserve under Project Tiger was Jim Corbett National Park in 1973.
Total Tiger Reserves in India (2025)
As of 2025, India has 58 Tiger Reserves spread across 18 states.
Below is the complete state-wise list arranged for exam preparation:
Madhya Pradesh (Highest Number – 9)
Kanha
Bandhavgarh
Pench (MP)
Satpura
Panna
Sanjay-Dubri
Veerangana Durgavati
Ratapani
Madhav (Latest addition – 2025)
Maharashtra
Melghat
Tadoba-Andhari
Pench (MH)
Sahyadri
Navegaon-Nagzira
Bor
Karnataka
Bandipur
Nagarhole
Bhadra
Kali
Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai
Anamalai
Kalakkad-Mundanthurai
Sathyamangalam
Rajasthan
Ranthambore
Sariska
Mukundra Hills
Ramgarh Vishdhari
Dholpur-Karauli
Uttarakhand
Corbett
Rajaji
Assam
Manas
Kaziranga
Orang
Nameri
West Bengal
Sundarbans
Buxa
Kerala
Periyar
Parambikulam
Odisha
Similipal
Satkosia
Telangana
Kawal
Amrabad
Andhra Pradesh
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Chhattisgarh
Indravati
Udanti-Sitanadi
Achanakmar
Jharkhand
Palamau
Bihar
Valmiki
Arunachal Pradesh
Namdapha
Pakke
Uttar Pradesh
Dudhwa
Pilibhit
Amangarh
Mizoram
Dampa
Latest Tiger Reserve (58th) – 2025
The most recent addition is Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh (2025), increasing India’s total to 58 reserves.
Earlier recent additions include:
Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan) – 2022
Dholpur-Karauli (Rajasthan) – 2023
Veerangana Durgavati (Madhya Pradesh) – 2023
Tiger Population in India
According to the latest All India Tiger Estimation (2022-23):
India has approximately 3,682 wild tigers, which is about 75% of the global tiger population.
Major tiger population states:
Madhya Pradesh – Highest
Karnataka
Uttarakhand
Maharashtra
Largest and Smallest Tiger Reserves
Largest: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Smallest: Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)
Importance of Tiger Reserves
Tiger reserves play a vital role in:
Maintaining ecological balance
Protecting forest biodiversity
Conserving endangered species
Generating eco-tourism revenue
Supporting tribal and local livelihoods
Tigers are considered “umbrella species” because protecting them ensures protection of entire ecosystems.
Challenges in Tiger Conservation
Human-wildlife conflict
Habitat fragmentation
Poaching
Illegal wildlife trade
Climate change impacts
Pressure from infrastructure development
To address these challenges, India uses:
Camera trapping
Radio collar monitoring
Wildlife corridors
Village relocation from core areas
Strict anti-poaching laws
Exam-Oriented Highlights (Home Academy Notes)
Project Tiger launched: 1973
First Reserve: Jim Corbett
Total Tiger Reserves: 58
Implementing Authority: NTCA
Largest Reserve: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Tiger Population: Approx. 3,682
Core and Buffer strategy used
Which state has the highest number of tiger reserves?
Madhya Pradesh
Which is the first tiger reserve in India?
Jim Corbett
Which is the largest tiger reserve?
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Tiger Reserves in India represent a landmark achievement in global wildlife conservation. From just 9 reserves in 1973 to 58 today, Project Tiger has transformed India into a conservation model for the world.
Sustained monitoring, scientific planning, and community participation remain the key pillars of this success. If conservation efforts continue at the same pace, India will remain the global stronghold of the Bengal tiger for decades to come.