Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated its own tiger census today in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district.
This initiative will continue throughout the year in various phases. Upon completion, the findings will be submitted to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), with the final census report expected to be published in 2026.
According to reports, the Forest Department has deployed 85 personnel across eight teams for the census. These teams will track tiger populations by analyzing footprints, scat marks, and urine samples in the forest.
Additionally, over 300 trap cameras and AI-powered cameras, installed across Similipal, will assist in gathering data.
According to the last tiger census, Similipal was home to 24 adult tigers and eight cubs.
However, STR authorities assert that the tiger population has increased, based on camera images taken from the core area of the sanctuary.
