Bhubaneswar: The Keonjhar Forest Division has launched a large-scale tiger census across 105 forest bits, aimed at monitoring the big cat population and strengthening conservation efforts in the region.
The multi-phase census will continue until January 2026.
The survey began with carnivore sign checks, ungulate counts, and vegetation assessments. This will be followed by a camera trap survey scheduled for December 2025 and January 2026, which will help estimate the tiger population more accurately.
Preliminary field reports indicate a significant presence of tigers and other big cats in the Atei Reserve Forest and Telkoi Forest.
According to officials, the number of tigers in these areas appears to have increased over the past two to three years.
“Tigers have been frequently sighted in the Atei Reserve Forest, confirming their growing presence in the region,” said Keonjhar Forest Division DFO Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere.
During the census, forest officers and employees are conducting foot patrols across all 105 bits to collect evidence of big cat activity, including paw marks, tree scratches, and other signs.
“Teams begin their surveys early in the morning. The ungulate, dung count, and vegetation surveys will continue until November 25. After this, the camera trap survey will be conducted from December 1, 2025, to the second week of January 2026,” Dhamdhere added.
The tiger census is part of the government’s broader initiative to track wildlife populations and ensure the protection of endangered species.
