Archive · 28 May 2025
Tamil Nadu's Oldest Tiger Reserve Struggles with Low Tiger Count
Imagine a big park for tigers, the oldest in its state.
It's beautiful with lots of plants but not many tigers.
Officials are trying to help the tigers by growing more grass, so deer will have more food.
If deer eat more, there's more food for tigers.
They are also checking if they just haven't found the tigers, as the forest is thick.
Also, some people visit the area often, which might bother the deer and tigers.
They want to move people living inside the park and also trying to protect the forest with new plans.
It's like a big puzzle to help the tigers!
Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is the oldest and largest tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Officials are implementing grassland management to increase the prey base for tigers.
The dense forest and steep terrain make it difficult to locate and patrol tigers.
Human activity, like traffic to a temple and encroachers, impacts wildlife.
The Kani tribe resides in the reserve, known for traditional medicine expertise.
- Who
- Forest officials, Kani tribe, and tigers
- What
- Efforts to boost the tiger population in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) through habitat management.
- When
- The grassland management program began a year ago.
- Where
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- To increase the tiger population by improving the habitat and managing prey.
Challenges to Tiger Conservation
Potential Solutions
Impact on Tiger Population
Challenges to Tiger Conservation
Dense forest, human activity, and limited prey impact tiger population.
Potential Solutions
Implement grassland management programs and controlled burns to increase prey.
Human Impact
Challenges to Tiger Conservation
Constant traffic and human interference hinder wildlife.
Potential Solutions
Relocating encroachers will help restore natural character
- KMTR Area
- 1,601 sq km
- KMTR Establishment
- Established in 1988
- Tiger Count in 2022
- 24
- Tigers found above
- 840m MSL
- Number of encroacher families
- About 90