Jaipur: Rajasthan’s tiger population has increased from 135 in 2025 to 149 this year, with the state’s five tiger reserves recording steady growth driven by successful breeding, strong prey availability and sustained conservation efforts, according to the forest department’s latest estimates released ahead of International Tiger Day.Ranthambore Tiger Reserve continues to be the state’s largest tiger habitat, with its population rising from 66 to 72. Sariska also registered an increase from 50 to 56 tigers, while the remaining population is spread across Mukundara Hills, Ramgarh Vishdhari and Dholpur-Karauli tiger reserves.Chief Wildlife Warden KC Arun Prasad said 54 tigresses gave birth to 53 cubs this year, compared with 43 cubs born to 52 tigresses last year. Sariska recorded the highest number of births with 28 cubs. Of the state’s 149 tigers, around 96 are adults, while the remaining are cubs. Ranthambore alone supports about 50 adults and 22 cubs.Forest officials attributed the rise to abundant prey, improved habitat protection, and continued conservation efforts. Ranthambore Deputy Conservator of Forests Manas Singh said the reserve’s healthy population of sambar, chital and other herbivores, coupled with extensive grasslands, has created favourable conditions for tiger breeding and survival.The latest figures mark a remarkable recovery from nearly two decades ago, when Rajasthan’s tiger population had dwindled to around 20 animals. Ranthambore has since become the source population for Sariska, Mukundara Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari, largely through the lineage of the iconic tigress Machli (T-16), whose descendants were translocated after Sariska lost all its tigers in 2008.Wildlife experts, however, cautioned that the growing population is creating fresh management challenges. Ranthambore’s estimated carrying capacity is around 40-50 tigers, but the reserve now supports 72, prompting increased dispersal into neighbouring forests.“Habitat expansion, planned rehabilitation and faster development of Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary as an integrated tiger habitat are crucial to sustain Rajasthan’s growing tiger population,” a wildlife expert said.
