The All India Tiger Estimation – 2026 (AITE – 2026), to assess the number of tigers in the country and the status of their habitat, has been formally started from Palamu Tiger Reserve. This is an important phase not only for Jharkhand but for the entire country, because this time Palamu Tiger Reserve has been given the responsibility of nodal area at the All India level.
What is All India Tiger Estimation
Under AITE-2026, scientific census of tigers and other major carnivores and large herbivores is carried out in the Tiger Reserve and other forest areas of the state. This process includes sign survey and transect walk. Through sign survey, pugmarks, feces and other signs of carnivores like tiger, leopard, wolf and large herbivores like elephant, gaur are studied. The habitat quality of the forest is assessed through transect survey.
Monitoring is being done through digital technology
Instrip mobile app developed by Government of India and Tiger Cell is being used in this entire process. All the survey reports are being uploaded on this app, due to which the data is being completely secured in digital and authentic form. Along with this, pictures and movements of the wildlife present in the forest are being recorded through camera trapping.
Evidence of tiger found on the very first day
Deputy Director Prajesh Kant Jaina said that on the very first day of this process which started from December 15, a clear pug mark of the tiger has been found, which confirms the active presence of the tiger in the area. Apart from this, evidence of many wildlife like leopard, wolf, golden jackal, hyena, small cat, elephant and gaur is also continuously emerging.
Big team, comprehensive survey
A total of 110 forest guard personnel (FGS), 300 trackers and 25 trained volunteers are involved in this mega campaign. The survey is being conducted by dividing the state into 6 regions, for which special training was also given in Palamu Tiger Reserve. At the same time, especially local youth were also included as volunteers.
further action plan
All ranges and beat areas will be covered in a phased manner in the coming days. Scientific verification of pugmarks and other signals, camera trapping and data analysis will be done. The positive signals received with the launch of AITE-2026 indicate that efforts being made towards wildlife conservation in Palamu Tiger Reserve are moving in the right direction.
