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Time of India
28-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rising Stripes Script Tadoba's Roaring Tiger Story
Nagpur: From just over dozen tigers recorded in 2010, to almost a hundred in 2024 – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has emerged as a perfect example of how merging conservation and protection methods yield results in increasing tiger numbers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the highest number of tigers in Maharashtra, it's no surprise that TATR attracts around 3.75lakh tourists annually – a feat no other tiger reserve in the state even comes close to. Prabhu Nath Shukla, field director TATR said the journey of the tiger reserve from being just one of many others, to becoming a haven for big cats is due to persistent efforts in wildlife management and implementation of strategies with a 360-degree view. "Protection and conservation go hand in hand, you really cannot ignore one at the cost of the other. At TATR the forest department along with other stakeholders has done capacity building in both segments to achieve this holistic growth in tiger numbers," said Shukla. TATR focussed on creating one of the best grassland habitats, which in turn attracted herbivores in huge numbers, which in turn kept increasing the tiger numbers in the region. Shukla said, "We also have a really good waterhole network and this ensures equitable presence of animals in the entire region." With water and prey base taken care of, TATR's next challenge in conservation was external threat to tigers. To keep tabs on poachers, forest officials built up a strong informer network and even set up a cyber cell to track movement of known poachers and build a database of new ones. Protection huts deep inside the forest for staffers, with all amenities, including full stock of ration kits, have been built across the forest area, and this helps for increased on-ground 24/7 monitoring of sensitive areas plus intelligence gathering. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shukla said, "Forest officials regularly conduct anti-snare and anti-electrocution drives, thus reducing chances of big cats falling prey to poachers. Apart from this there is M-STRIPES, which is a smart patrolling and ecological monitoring system that uses GPS, remote sensing, and a mobile app to track patrols, record wildlife data, and manage human-wildlife conflicts." A key factor in Tadoba's success has been the rehabilitation of villages from the core area. "This has created vast inviolate spaces for wildlife. Additionally, ecotourism has provided steady livelihood support to communities in the buffer, turning them into active partners in conservation," Shukla said. With exceptional control over fire incidents, TATR has ensured minimal destruction of habitat. Shukla said "The area under TATR is approximately 1.72 lakh hectares and last year fire incidents were reported in 24 hectares of area." The accepted benchmark for fire incidents in forest is 1% of the entire forest area. TATR reported fires in less than 0.014% which is phenomenal considering its massive geographical jurisdiction. Tadoba is also among the few reserves to adopt Artificial Intelligence for monitoring tigers and leopards. "Our AI-backed system helps us track movement patterns and identify behavioural anomalies. An AI Wall alerts villagers about predator movement and reduces man-animal conflict. We also run a Patrol Reporting Tool (PRT) system that enhances real-time feedback from field teams," he noted. With TATR now in process of hiring an "AI Officer", the huge data bank it has will be converted into meaningful policy points and chart out strategies to further strengthen conservation.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Tadoba Safari Gets Pricier; Core Zone to Close from July 1 for Monsoon
Chandrapur: Planning a tiger safari at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)? Be prepared to pay more, as the reserve—famous for its thrilling tiger sightings—has hiked its safari charges by Rs1,000 per gypsy. The revised rates came into effect just two days ago, catching many tourists off guard. As per the new structure, a single safari in the core zone will now cost Rs8,800 on weekdays and Rs12,800 on weekends and public holidays if the booking is made 60 to 120 days in advance. Similarly, if booked between 9 and 60 days before the safari, the trip will cost Rs5,800 on weekdays and Rs6,800 on weekends. These rates will be effective from the new season, as core safaris reopen for tourists on October 1. Safaris in the buffer zone have also become costlier, with charges rising to Rs6,000 on weekdays and Rs7,000 on weekends and holidays. Tourists who had booked their trips in advance will not be affected by the hike, but those who made bookings in the past couple of days are already feeling the pinch. Resort owners and guides have expressed concern over the sudden increase, especially as basic infrastructure in the buffer areas remains underdeveloped. Meanwhile, Tadoba's core safari gates will close for the monsoon season and reopen on October 1, according to field director Prabhu Nath Shukla. "Some buffer gates will remain open during the monsoon period. The buffer zones significantly decongest core areas, support community-based tourism, and ensure wider access to wildlife sightings," he said. He added that as the monsoon approaches, it becomes crucial to regulate tourism activities to ensure the safety of tourists and allow nature to rejuvenate. Consequently, core gates remain closed during this period, while a few buffer gates stay open. Tourists, safari enthusiasts, and stakeholders are advised to check availability and book safaris only through the official website: The forest department clarified that the annual closure is necessary to prevent damage to the reserve's ecosystem and to ensure visitor safety, as muddy and unpaved roads become risky during heavy rains. Though the monsoon arrived earlier this year, safari bookings had already been made until June 30, making it difficult for the authorities to shut the zone before the usual July 1 timeline.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
TATR tiger density rose 30% in decade, buffer occupancy tripled
1 2 Nagpur: The tiger density (per 100 sq) in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has increased by almost 30% in the last decade, while for leopards it grew by 60% in last five years since it was tracked. As per the report titled 'Status of Tigers, Co-Predators, and Prey in TATR (2024)', the number of tigers utilizing buffer zone exclusively has grown by a whopping 260% in 10 years due to overall development of the area by the forest department. From just 10 tigers using buffer zone (exclusively) in 2014, there were 36 tigers recorded there in 2024. Prabhu Nath Shukla, field director of TATR said, "The proper handover of buffer area was completed around 2014. Then the forest department started developing the landscape. As flora and fauna increased, herbivores increased. And with an increased prey base, the number of tigers in buffer also increased." He added that in the last three years, the number of tigers using buffer zone (exclusively) has now stabilized around the mid-30s number. The report also tracked density of tigers and co-predators in TATR, and for the big cat the density per 100 square km now stands at seven. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Activate your McAfee Antivirus Protection Learn More Undo In 2010, approximately five tigers were using 100 sq km area. You Can Also Check: Nagpur AQI | Weather in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur Leopard population has risen sharply as per the data provided for the period 2019 till 2014. From just 106 leopards back then, their numbers have touched 144. Their density (per 100 sq km) was just under seven in 2019 but now it has galloped to over 11. The report is published annually by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the state forest department. As a part of the research project titled 'Long-term monitoring of Tigers, Co-predators and prey in Tiger reserves and other Tiger bearing areas of Vidarbha, Maharashtra', the WII initiated this study in 2019. For gathering the data, camera traps were placed in 628 grids of 2.01 sq km area each in the core and buffer area of TATR in two blocks. INFO GFX Tiger Density (per 100 sq km) Year Tiger Population 2019 6.86 2020 8.39 2021 8.69 2022 9.74 2023 9.80 2024 11.02 Tigers utilizing buffer zone exclusively Year Tiger Population 2014 10 2015 14 2016 17 2017 19 2018 22 2019 23 2020 34 2021 36 2022 38 2023 35 2024 36
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
Tadoba mulling cycle trail for tourists
Nagpur: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is exploring the feasibility of starting a cycle trail, along the periphery buffer area where villages abound, as an option for activities in which tourists can indulge. Although private resorts provide cycles for their guests, there is no official 'cycle trail' in Tadoba. Prabhu Nath Shukla, field director of TATR, said, "It's at the planning stage as we not only have to map out the cycle trail route but also factor in what support the tourist has there. Suppose a tyre gets punctured en route, then what support system can be provided." The trail will have GPS tagging of all villages and facilities available there. If the plan is approved and implemented, then TATR will gain another attraction for tourists to partake in. This trail might be a long winding one, as well as a shorter option for those who do not wish to stretch things too far. So far, there is a plan to offer a 'guide' service as all will be on cycles. This is the reason why the trail has to be mapped out through proper roads passing through villages. TATR is pushing ahead with multiple reforms to offer a plethora of choices to tourists. TOI reported their plans to hire an Artificial Intelligence (AI) officer who will use data to help with better management of the forest. The forest department is also on the lookout for an 'official partner' who will design customised experiences for tourists and market them globally. This will help TATR to not just be a 'tiger sighting' destination, but rather evolve as a place where wildlife as a whole can be experienced through different layers. One part is the rich biodiversity of the forest, which houses flora and fauna that TATR also wants tourists to see and appreciate. The other part is the culture of tribal communities that dot villages around TATR. The rich heritage that the rural population carries is also something that tourists may get to see up close, as TATR formulates a 360-degree tourism strategy.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tadoba on alert as wild tuskers from Gadchiroli near core area
Nagpur: The forest department is closely monitoring two wild tuskers that entered the buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) from Gadchiroli district on Friday. The elephants have since been moving along the periphery of the core area, prompting a heightened state of vigilance. TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla confirmed that the elephants crossed the Huma River and entered Kukadheti village in the buffer zone. "We are tracking their movement closely. As of Saturday evening, they have not entered the core area," Shukla told TOI. According to TATR officials, the elephants passed through forest compartments 808, 270A, and 270B, and were later spotted at Naleshwar Talav. By nightfall, their tracks suggested movement toward compartment 319, close to the core zone. The forest department has activated local Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and Protection Response Teams (PRTs) to assist in monitoring and awareness efforts. Villagers are being advised to avoid solitary movements in forested areas and to remain indoors during night hours. Personnel from nearby forest ranges, along with rescue teams and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), have been deployed. They are using night vision devices, infrared drones, and elephant deterrents to ensure safety and to track the tuskers' route. Staff have also been stationed at elevated observation points for better visibility. Officials have urged the public not to panic or believe in rumours. Any sightings or concerns should be reported directly to the forest department.
