Mudumalai Tiger reserve sees 28% rise in Tiger numbers in 2024-25

Chennai: On the occasion of International Tiger Day, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Tamil Nadu has reported a remarkable 28% increase in its tiger population, marking a major milestone in conservation efforts.

According to forest officials, the number of tigers in the reserve has grown from 129 in 2023–24 to 165 in 2024–25, a development that has brought cheer to wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists across the country.

This impressive growth has been credited to a series of dedicated conservation initiatives, including enhanced anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and the systematic removal of invasive species—particularly Lantana camara, a fast-spreading shrub that threatens the region’s biodiversity.

Spanning 688.59 hectares, MTR includes 321 hectares of core zone and 367.59 hectares of buffer zone. The core area alone hosts nearly 85 swamps, which serve as critical water sources for wildlife. However, these swamps have been under threat from the unchecked spread of Lantana, which blocks sunlight and crowds out native vegetation.

Recognizing this danger, and following a directive from the Madras High Court, forest teams—with the active participation of indigenous communities—cleared Lantana from 725 hectares across four core forest ranges during the current year.

The cleared plant matter was turned into eco-friendly briquettes by members of the Kattu Naicker, Kurumba, Malasar, and Paniya tribes, producing six tonnes so far and offering both environmental and economic benefits.

“Had we not removed the Lantana, it would have taken over the swamps, threatening vital habitats,” said a forest official. “Now, with the canopy opened, sunlight has reached the forest floor, allowing native grasses to regenerate and increasing the prey base for tigers.”

Officials emphasize that habitat improvement and anti-poaching efforts go hand in hand. MTR currently runs 36 Anti-Poaching Camps (APCs), and plans are in place to add another, in collaboration with tribal communities.

Apart from tigers, the reserve is also home to a wide range of other key species, including leopards, dholes (wild dogs), hyenas, and vultures. Vultures, in particular, play a crucial ecological role as scavengers.

The increase in the tiger population at Mudumalai is being hailed as a national model for community-driven conservation. On this International Tiger Day, the reserve stands as a shining example of how grassroots involvement and sustained effort can revive and protect endangered wildlife.