Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Andhra Pradesh to Use High-Resolution Cameras for Tiger Census in NSTR
Imagine trying to count all the tigers in a very big forest!
India's forest department is going to use special new cameras that take super clear pictures, even of fast tigers.
They will put these cameras all over the Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Because so many pictures will be taken, they will use a smart computer program to help figure out which tiger is which, so no tiger is counted twice.
The forest is home to many tigers already, and they think there might be even more this year!
They also need to be careful because some tigers might wander between this forest and a nearby one in another state, which could make counting tricky.
Andhra Pradesh will deploy 48-megapixel high-resolution camera traps for the All-India Tiger Estimate–2026 in Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
The survey, utilizing specialized software for image analysis, is scheduled from December 2025 to May 2026.
NSTR, India's largest tiger zone at 5,800 sq km, will be divided into grids for camera trap installation.
The current tiger population in NSTR is estimated at 87, with officials anticipating an increase.
Concerns have been raised about tigers moving across the Andhra Pradesh–Telangana border potentially complicating the counting process.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Forest Department
- What
- Conducting All-India Tiger Estimate–2026 using high-resolution camera traps
- When
- December 2025 to May 2026
- Where
- Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
- Why
- To accurately estimate the tiger population and prevent double-counting
Optimistic Outlook
Potential Challenges
Tiger Population Estimate
Optimistic Outlook
Forest officials are optimistic about a significant increase in the tiger population, citing the presence of cubs and improved ecological conditions.
Potential Challenges
Tiger movements across the Andhra Pradesh–Telangana border via the Siva Krishna corridor could complicate identification and counting, potentially leading to inaccurate estimates if not managed carefully.
- Tiger Reserve
- Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
- Tiger Population (Previous)
- 87
- Camera Trap Resolution
- 48-megapixel
- Survey Timeline
- December 2025 - May 2026
- Reserve Area
- 5,800 sq km