Tiger census begins across the country:STR changes safari timing to 7:30 AM; 450 employees and volunteers from 8 states take part in counting

The All India Tiger Census 2026 begins today, 1 December. The counting will continue till 7 December across the state and the whole country, including the Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR). For the first time, the census will also cover tigers living in normal forest divisions, not just Tiger Reserves. Due to the census, the morning safari time in Madhai and Churna has been extended by one hour. Officials expect the number of tigers in Satpura Tiger Reserve to cross 75 this year. Counting of Carnivores for the first 3 days, Herbivores for the next 3 days
Under the seven-day wildlife census, carnivores will be counted for the first three days, and herbivores will be counted for the subsequent three days. Safari time changed, gates will now open at 7:30 AM
Due to the wildlife census, the morning jungle safari, which starts in the first shift in Madhai and Churna, has been extended by one hour. 450 staff and 35 volunteers from 8 states deployed
Deputy Director Rishabha Netam informed that around 450 officers and employees have been assigned duties for counting in STR. Additionally, 35 volunteers have also been called, who have come from 8 states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. These volunteers will be utilized in beats where there is a shortage of staff. Volunteers have been given special training
Ranger Rahul Upadhyay informed that the expert team of the Forest Department has provided training to the volunteers in transect walk, camera trapping, pugmark recording, and modern data collection techniques. From December 1 to December 7, the counting will be done using scientific methods in various ranges of the reserve. Trained volunteers will participate in the field survey in collaboration with forest personnel. Number expected to cross 75
Field Director Rakhi Nanda informed that the All India Tiger Census takes place once every four years. According to the 2022 census, the number of tigers in STR was 62. Now the census is being conducted in 2025-26, and this time the number is expected to cross 75. Cubs that have turned 1 year old will also be included in the census. Tigers are identified based on their body stripes and pugmarks. Monitoring with 800 cameras
To collect evidence before the All India Tiger Census, the ‘Phase Three Camera Trapping’ census has been ongoing since November 15. For this, 800 cameras have been installed in five beats of Satpura – Churna, Bori, Bagda Buffer, Tawa Buffer, and Madhai Range. Field Director Rakhi Nanda informed that the second phase of camera trapping will begin from December 20, in which cameras will be installed in Pipariya, Matkuli, Delakhari, East and West Pachmarhi.