India is getting ready for the 2026 All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) — the world’s largest and most advanced wildlife survey. Since India has over 75% of the world’s wild tigers, this survey is very important for protecting our forests and wildlife.
What Is the Tiger Census?
The Tiger Census is done every four years to count the number of tigers in India and study the condition of their habitats. The last survey in 2022 recorded 3,682 tigers. The 2026 census will use a mix of traditional tracking, satellite technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) to make the most accurate tiger count ever.
Phases of the 2026 Tiger Census
Phase 1: On-Ground Tracking
- Forest guards walk about 15 km in three days inside forests.
- They look for tiger signs like pugmarks (footprints), claw marks, scat (droppings), and prey remains.
They also note:
- Prey animals like deer and sambar.
- Vegetation (trees, grasses, shrubs).
- Human activity like wood cutting or cattle dung.
This helps in knowing the health of the forest and availability of food for tigers.
Phase 2: Satellite and Remote Sensing
Scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun use satellite images to study:
- Forest cover and terrain
- Water sources and wildlife corridors
- Human encroachment (villages or roads near forests)
This helps in deciding where to place camera traps for the next step.
Phase 3: Camera Traps and AI Identification
- Over 40,000 motion-sensitive cameras are placed in forests.
- Each 4 sq. km area has two cameras.
- Cameras remain active for 25 days and capture animal movements.
- AI software studies each tiger’s unique stripe pattern to identify them individually.
For example, in 2022, Karnataka identified 563 tigers through this method.
Static GK Facts
| Point | Details |
| Survey Name | All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) |
| Next Census Year | 2026 |
| Last Count (2022) | 3,682 tigers |
| Area Covered | Over 4 lakh sq. km in 20+ states |
| People Involved | More than 60,000 forest staff |
Importance of the Tiger Census
- It helps know the number and health of tigers in India.
- It checks the condition of forests and prey animals.
- It helps plan better protection and conservation measures.
- It shows India’s leadership in wildlife conservation.
Conclusion
The 2026 Tiger Census is not just about counting tigers — it’s about protecting nature. By combining fieldwork, satellite images, and AI, India is setting a global example in saving wildlife. Remember, “When we save tigers, we save forests — and when we save forests, we save ourselves.”
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