India is gearing up for the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, the world’s largest and most scientific wildlife survey. With 3,682 tigers recorded in 2022, accounting for 75% of the global wild tiger population, this new census will go far beyond counting — it will assess ecosystem health, prey density, and forest conditions to guide future conservation strategies.
India Prepares for 2026 All India Tiger Estimation: World’s Largest Wildlife Survey Explained
Phase 1: Groundwork of Tracking and Observation
The first stage of the tiger census begins with forest guards walking transects (predefined forest paths) across tiger habitats. Over three days, each guard covers about 15 km, looking for indirect signs like pugmarks, claw marks, scat, and prey remains.
They also note sightings of deer, sambar, and other herbivores to measure food availability.
Meanwhile, vegetation surveys document forest density, and evidence of human activities (like wood cutting or cattle dung) helps evaluate habitat pressure on tiger reserves.
Phase 2: Satellites and Data Analytics
After collecting field data, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, combines it with satellite imagery to study forest cover, terrain, water bodies, and human encroachment.
Using remote sensing and GIS tools, scientists identify wildlife corridors, stress zones, and critical habitats.
This digital mapping ensures that camera traps in the next phase are set in areas most likely to record tiger movement — making the process more efficient and scientific.
Phase 3: Camera Traps and Stripe Identification
In this stage, more than 40,000 camera traps are installed in a 4 sq km grid system across tiger landscapes.
Each grid usually has two cameras placed near trails, ridgelines, or waterholes.
Over 25 days, these cameras capture thousands of photos, which are later analysed using AI software that identifies individual tigers based on their unique stripe patterns — similar to human fingerprints.
For example, in the 2022 census, Karnataka identified 563 tigers through this advanced method.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- The All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) covers over 400,000 sq km across 20+ states.
- Over 60,000 personnel and 40,000 camera traps are used in the process.
- Karnataka recorded 563 tigers in the 2022 census.
- Cubs under two years are not counted in the official tiger population.
Why the 2026 Census Matters
The upcoming 2026 tiger census is crucial not just for numbers, but for understanding how India’s ecosystems are evolving.
The data helps identify:
- Successful conservation areas
- Regions with rising human-tiger conflicts
- Potential corridors and new reserves
States like Karnataka — with its major reserves Bandipur, Nagarahole, Bhadra, Kali, and BRT — remain vital for tiger conservation.
However, increasing attention is being given to forest fringes and plantation zones, where human-tiger interactions are growing.
The AITE continues to be a global benchmark for wildlife monitoring, showcasing how traditional tracking, satellite technology, and AI-driven analytics can work together to sustain India’s tiger legacy.
Question & Answer
Q1. What is the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE)?
(a) A forest survey project
(b) India’s tiger census and ecosystem health survey
(c) A wildlife tourism campaign
(d) A forestry employment program
Answer: India’s tiger census and ecosystem health survey
Q2. When is the next All India Tiger Estimation scheduled?
(a) 2024
(b) 2025
(c) 2026
(d) 2027
Answer: 2026
Q3. How many tigers were recorded in the 2022 census?
(a) 2,900
(b) 3,682
(c) 4,050
(d) 3,200
Answer: 3,682
Q4. Which institute integrates satellite imagery for the tiger census?
(a) Forest Survey of India
(b) Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
(c) National Biodiversity Authority
(d) Zoological Survey of India
Answer: Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
Q5. Which state recorded 563 tigers in the 2022 census?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Karnataka
(d) Maharashtra
Answer: Karnataka
🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "FDA Approves First Oral Iron Medicine for Children Aged 10 and Above")
_1_11zon.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "India to Build World’s Deepest Underwater Research Lab at 6,000 Metres in Indian Ocean")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Dubai Plans Electric Aerial Taxi Network by 2026: Faster, Cleaner Urban Travel")
