Tiger population hits saturation in Corbett Tiger Reserve; raises ecological concerns, spillover effect in UP
Uttarakhand's tiger population has reached 560, with Corbett Tiger Reserve alone hosting 260 tigers. Experts warn the reserve is nearing its carrying capacity, raising ecological concerns about shrinking territories, rising tiger conflicts, and the future of conservation in the Himalayan state.
Dehradun: Uttarakhand, long known as a safe haven for the Royal Bengal Tiger, is now facing new challenges as its tiger population continues to grow. The Tiger Estimation Report 2023 shows that the state has reached a count of 560 tigers, placing it among the top three states in India for tiger conservation success.
The biggest contributor to this achievement is the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), which now hosts a record-breaking 260 tigers, making it the most densely populated tiger reserve in the country. Officials say that even without Corbett’s numbers, Uttarakhand still has around 300 tigers spread across other reserves and forest corridors, a strong figure for a state with limited geographical area.
Corbett’s success has had a spillover effect in neighboring Uttar Pradesh
Experts highlight that Corbett’s success has had a spillover effect in neighboring Uttar Pradesh. Tigers dispersing from Corbett through the Terai grasslands are strengthening populations in areas like Pilibhit, Dudhwa National Park, and the Bijnor–Najibabad belt. Wildlife ecologist Dr. Rohit Sharma described Corbett as a "crucial nursery” whose progeny are now establishing new territories across the lowlands.
Raises ecological concerns
However, this success story comes with ecological concerns. According to the 2023 estimates, tigers in Corbett are surviving in extremely limited spaces — as little as 5 to 7 square kilometres per individual. This is far below the scientific requirement.
Dr. Qamar Qureshi, a tiger specialist and former scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), explained: "An adult male tiger typically requires 20 to 25 square kilometres to thrive independently. The situation in Corbett is starkly different. While prey availability is currently sufficient, the reserve’s carrying capacity has reached its absolute limit.”
Conflict within the species
Such high density is leading to increased tiger–tiger conflict. Conservationists warn that shrinking territories are causing more territorial disputes, sometimes resulting in fatal encounters between dominant and subordinate animals. Managing these conflicts is expected to be the next major challenge for Uttarakhand’s forest management teams.
Urgent need to expand habitats, strengthen buffer zones
Experts believe that while Corbett’s tiger boom is a sign of successful conservation, it also signals the urgent need to expand habitats, strengthen buffer zones, and improve corridors to reduce pressure on the reserve. Without these measures, the ecological balance could be disrupted, affecting both tigers and other wildlife.