Experts attribute decline in Dudhwa reserve’s tiger population to movement patterns

Pilibhit: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR), encompassing Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakhimpur Kheri district, has recorded a decline in its tiger population in an internal survey. The count, conducted by WWF-India, indicates a drop of five tigers compared to the 2022 figures projected by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).Wildlife experts suggest the decline may stem from differences in counting methods and tiger movement patterns. "The internal tiger count identifies tigers through camera traps, pug marks and scat analysis," explained Dr Mudit Gupta, senior landscape coordinator at WWF-India. "The NTCA's national estimates, on the other hand, use scientific models to extrapolate and account for tigers that may not be directly observed." The internal report, shared with DTR authorities in the second week of Feb, was later forwarded to the state's principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri. The survey shows that Dudhwa National Park's tiger population fell from 53 in 2022 to 48 in 2025. Officials from DTR and the PCCF office declined to comment on findings. In contrast, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary recorded a modest increase of two tigers, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve saw a growth of 12 tigers over the same period. Dr Yadvendradev Jhala, former dean of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), added, "The decline may reflect the movement of tigers out of certain areas. Some tigers migrate from their natal territories to other forest pockets in search of better habitat, which can affect counts in a specific region." Dr Ayan Sadhu, senior scientist at WII's tiger cell, noted that the dispersal of sub-adult male tigers is a natural phenomenon influenced by habitat size, prey availability, water resources and human disturbance. "This movement can impact population estimates for a given area at a specific time," he said.Wildlife enthusiasts also questioned why the decrease was observed only in Dudhwa National Park, while Kishanpur and Pilibhit reserves showed growth. Experts also pointed out that Pilibhit's reported tiger population of 71 exceeds its ecological capacity of 30 to 35 tigers, potentially forcing adolescent males to leave in search of new territories.