Tiger Population in MP Projected to Cross 1000 Mark in New Census: CM Yadav
Tigers represent the state’s virgin forests, rich biodiversity and ecological balance, the chief minister said
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday indicated that the tiger population in the state is projected to cross 1,000 in the new census.
The final report for India’s ongoing sixth tiger census is scheduled to be declared in July 2027.
Mr. Yadav attributed the steady rise in the tiger population in Madhya Pradesh to the state’s robust and innovative wildlife conservation measures.
“Fifty-three years ago, the tiger population in Madhya Pradesh had fallen to double digits. By 2016, the number of big cats had risen to 250. The 2022 census estimated the tiger population in the state at 785, the highest in the country”, Mr. Yadav said.
Next year, the tiger population in the state is expected to cross 1,000, he added.
No wonder, Madhya Pradesh is identified with tigers and has earned the tag of ‘Tiger State’ for being home to the highest number of big cats in the country.
“Madhya Pradesh has earned a distinct identity across the country for its successful efforts and unwavering commitment to tiger conservation. Tigers represent the state’s virgin forests, rich biodiversity and ecological balance”, the chief minister said.
Referring to the movements of tigers in some areas in Bhopal, the chief ministers said that Bhopal is the only state capital in the country where tigers are found in harmonious cohabitation with the human beings.
The Ratapani Tiger Reserve, located on the threshold of the state capital, is estimated to house around 60 tigers and the big cats are frequently sighted in the human habitations close to the wildlife sanctuary.
Mr. Yadav hailed the dedication and commitment of the officials of the state forest department whose efforts in the wildlife conservation has led Madhya Pradesh to earn the tags of ‘Tiger State’, ‘Leopard State’, ‘Gharial State’, and ‘Cheetah State’.
The chief minister was speaking at a function organized here to observe the International Tiger Day.
He cited return of wild elephants to the MP forest after decades and reintroduction of wild buffalo which had disappeared from the state a century ago, to demonstrate the state’s commitment for wildlife conservation.
