Bhubaneswar, Feb 26 (IANS) – The first All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-2024 report confirms an increase in the tiger population in Odisha to 30 adult tigers and 8 cubs. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik praised the efforts of the state forest department for creating a hospitable habitat for the tigers.
The AOTE report was initiated in response to the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2022 report, which showed only 17 tigers in Odisha. The survey spanned 47 forest divisions and used 1,432 camera traps between October 15, 2023 and February 10, 2024, revealing the presence of 30 tigers and 8 cubs in the state forests.
According to the report, a total of 27 unique adult tigers were camera trapped in Odisha during the AOTE exercise, with 14 females and 13 males. Similipal Tiger Reserve alone is home to 24 tigers, indicating a significant rise in the tiger population compared to the previous year.
The state government’s decision to conduct an annual tiger estimation survey aims to monitor and develop suitable management strategies for the tiger population. The efforts have paid off, as the latest report showcases a substantial increase in the number of tigers in the forests of Odisha, providing a promising future for the national animal to thrive in the state.
