Leopard signs dominate Day1 of tiger census in Indore:Survey under All India Tiger Estimation finds tiger signs in 21, leopard presence in 74 beats

The All India Tiger Estimation (AITE)–2026 formally began in the Indore Forest Division on Thursday, with ground teams fanning out across forest ranges to record carnivore signs on the very first day of the national wildlife census. Preliminary field data shows widespread leopard presence across the division, while limited but crucial tiger indicators were also documented. The Phase-I ground survey is being conducted simultaneously across 103 beats spread over the Indore, Choral, Mhow, Manpur ranges and Ralamandal Sanctuary. Forest staff, trained during a recent two-day mock drill, are documenting pugmarks, scats, scrapes, scent marks, prey signs and habitat indicators using standardised AITE protocols and digital data entry systems. Day 1 findings: leopards active, tigers leave sparse signs According to initial records compiled on Day 1, signs of tigers were detected in 21 beats, while leopard signs were found in 74 beats, underlining the dominant presence of leopards in the Indore landscape. · Choral Range reported the highest activity, with tiger signs in 18 beats and leopard signs in 33 beats, reaffirming its status as a key carnivore corridor. · Indore Range recorded tiger signs in one beat and leopard presence in 15 beats, largely along forest edges and trenching grounds. · Mhow Range documented tiger signs in two beats and leopard signs in 15 beats. · Manpur Range showed no tiger signs on Day One but recorded leopard presence in 10 beats. · Ralamandal Sanctuary, with a single surveyed beat, recorded leopard movement but no tiger signs. Forest officials clarified that tiger absence on a given day does not indicate absence from the landscape, as Phase-I relies on indirect evidence that accumulates over multiple days of survey effort. Focus on scientific ground survey The ongoing exercise marks Phase I of AITE-2026, which involves intensive ground surveys to record: · Carnivore signs such as pugmarks, scats, scratches and scent markings · Prey indicators including hoof marks, dung and grazing signs · Habitat features like vegetation, water sources and human disturbance These inputs form the ecological foundation for later population modelling. Four-phase national estimation process The All India Tiger Estimation, conducted once every four years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), follows a structured four-phase methodology: Prepared teams, technology support Officials said the Indore division entered the census well-prepared following the mock drill earlier this month. Thermal-imaging drones, rapid response teams and digital tools like M-STrIPES are being used to ensure accuracy, safety and real-time data validation, especially in sensitive zones near human settlements. DFO Pradeep Mishra stated that early findings reflect healthy leopard movement and underscore the importance of sustained monitoring. Phase I sets the base for the entire estimation exercise. Our teams are systematically covering every beat to ensure Indore’s data contributes accurately to the national assessment, he said. The ground survey in Indore Division will continue over the coming days, with cumulative findings expected to offer deeper insights into tiger movement, prey availability and habitat use ahead of camera trapping and advanced analysis stages.