Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, July 29, 2025 – Uttar Pradesh is roaring with pride as its tiger population continues to climb, reaching 222 big cats in 2022, up from 173 in 2018, according to the latest tiger census. This 18.49% jump over four years reflects the state’s strong efforts to protect its wildlife, earning praise from conservationists and government leaders alike. With four tiger reserves—Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh, and Ranipur—leading the charge, Uttar Pradesh is becoming a shining example of balancing nature and human needs.
A Conservation Victory
The rise in tiger numbers is no small feat. Back in 2006, Uttar Pradesh had just 109 tigers, meaning the population has more than doubled in less than two decades. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, located in Lakhimpur Kheri, is the star of the show, housing 135 tigers and ranking fourth among India’s 53 tiger reserves. Pilibhit follows with 63 tigers, Amangarh with 20, and Ranipur with 4, according to the 2022 census data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This growth is part of India’s broader success, with the country now home to 3,682 tigers, about 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.
The state’s “Bagh Mitra” program, launched in 2019 and upgraded with a mobile app in 2023, has been a game-changer. Over 120 villagers in Pilibhit, including young people and elders, use the app to report tiger sightings, helping forest officials track the animals in real time. This has cut down on human-tiger conflicts, a growing concern as tigers roam closer to villages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the initiative, calling it a model for community-driven conservation.
Why the Numbers Are Up
Uttar Pradesh’s success comes down to smart planning. The state has ramped up forest patrols, using vehicles, boats, elephants, and even bicycles to cover over 1.5 lakh kilometers monthly in Dudhwa alone. The M-Stripes system, a high-tech tool for monitoring tigers, has made tracking more accurate. Better management of grasslands and water bodies has also boosted the population of deer and other prey, giving tigers plenty to eat. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, which doubled its tiger count in just four years, won the International Tx2 Award in 2020 for its efforts.
The state’s forests are thriving, too. According to the 2021 State Forest Report, Uttar Pradesh added 794 square kilometers of forest and tree cover, creating more room for wildlife. This has helped not just tigers but also elephants, storks, and vultures. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Dudhwa landscape, is now a hotspot for tiger tourism, with over 100 Bengal tigers spotted recently, drawing nature lovers from across the globe.
Challenges Amid Success
But it’s not all good news. The growing tiger population has brought new challenges, especially near Dudhwa, where human-tiger conflicts are on the rise. Villagers in areas like Manjhrapurab and Kharatiya report fear of tiger attacks, with some abandoning farming for safer jobs. In 2022, a tragic attack claimed the life of a villager, highlighting the need for better safety measures. Locals have criticized the forest department for not providing enough fencing or support, though officials point to budget and staffing shortages.
Conservationists stress that habitat loss and deforestation push tigers closer to villages, where livestock is easy prey. The NTCA has guidelines to manage these conflicts, but villagers say more needs to be done, like relocating communities or building stronger barriers. “It’s a delicate balance,” said a forest officer. “We’re protecting tigers, but we can’t ignore the people living near them.”
Looking Forward
Uttar Pradesh is doubling down on its efforts. International Tiger Day on July 29, 2025, saw events across the state, including a walkathon at Lucknow Zoo and awareness programs in Pilibhit. Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena and Minister of State KP Malik joined in, celebrating the state’s progress. The government is also promoting Pilibhit as an eco-tourism destination, hoping to boost the local economy while raising awareness about conservation.
With cross-border cooperation with Nepal, whose forests connect to Uttar Pradesh’s reserves, the state aims to keep the tiger population healthy. As Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath put it, “Our tigers are a symbol of our commitment to nature.” The state’s focus on habitat restoration, community involvement, and modern technology is paving the way for a future where tigers and people can coexist.
