In April 1973, the Bengal Tiger was declared India’s National Animal, replacing the Lion, as part of the Project Tiger initiative aimed at conserving endangered species. This designation was driven by the tiger’s endangered status according to the IUCN Red Data Book.
In response to the need for conservation, India established Tiger Reserves in 1973 to protect these magnificent animals. Currently, there are 54 tiger reserves in the country, managed under Project Tiger and overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). India is home to 80% of the world’s tiger population.
Tiger Reserves in India 2024
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), through the implementation of Project Tiger, manages 54 tiger reserves in India, which harbors 80% of the global tiger population. The number of tigers in India has consistently increased, with 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, and 2,967 in 2018.
As per subsection (1) of section 38V of the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, state governments establish tiger reserves based on NTCA recommendations. Any changes to the boundaries of these reserves require approval from the National Board for Wild Life and suggestions from the NTCA.
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Tiger Reserves in India 2024 List
Here’s the list of the 54 Tiger Reserves in India, including the recent addition of the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhay Pradesh. Check complete Tiger Reserves in India 2024 List below:
| Tiger Reserves in India 2024 List | |||
| S No. | Tiger Reserve | State/UTs | Total Area (sq km) |
| 1 | Bandipur Tiger Reserve | Karnataka | 914.02 |
| 2 | Corbett Tiger Reserve | Uttarakhand | 1288.31 |
| 3 | Amanagarh Buffer Tiger Reserve | Uttar Pradesh | 80.60 |
| 4 | Kanha Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 2,051.79 |
| 5 | Manas Tiger Reserve | Assam | 2,837.10 |
| 6 | Melghat Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 2,768.52 |
| 7 | Palamu Tiger Reserve | Jharkhand | 1,129.93 |
| 8 | Ranthambore Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan | 1,411.29 |
| 9 | Simlipal Tiger Reserve | Orissa | 2,750.00 |
| 10 | Sunderban Tiger Reserve | West Bengal | 2,584.89 |
| 11 | Periyar Tiger Reserve | Kerala | 925.00 |
| 12 | Sariska Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan | 1,213.34 |
| 13 | Buxa Tiger Reserve | W. Bengal | 757.9 |
| 14 | Indravati Tiger Reserve | Chattisgarh | 2,799.07 |
| 15 | Namdapha Tiger Reserve | Arunachal Pradesh | 2,052.82 |
| 16 | Nagarjunsagar Tiger Reserve | Andhra Pradesh | 3,296.31 |
| 17 | Dudhwa Tiger Reserve | Uttar Pradesh | 2,201.77 |
| 18 | Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve | Tamil Nadu | 1,601.54 |
| 19 | Valmiki Tiger Reserve | Bihar | 899.38 |
| 20 | Pench Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1,179.63 |
| 21 | Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 1,727.59 |
| 22 | Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1,536.93 |
| 23 | Panna Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1,598.10 |
| 24 | Dampa Tiger Reserve | Mizoram | 988.00 |
| 25 | Bhadra Tiger Reserve | Karnataka | 1,064.29 |
| 26 | Pench Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 741.22 |
| 27 | Pakke Tiger Reserve | Arunachal Pradesh | 1,198.45 |
| 28 | Nameri Tiger Reserve | Assam | 464.00 |
| 29 | Satpura Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 2,133.31 |
| 30 | Anamalai Tiger Reserve | Tamil Nadu | 1,479.87 |
| 31 | Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve | Chattisgarh | 1,842.54 |
| 32 | Satkosia Tiger Reserve | Odisha | 963.87 |
| 33 | Kaziranga Tiger Reserve | Assam | 1,173.58 |
| 34 | Achanakmar Tiger Reserve | Chattisgarh | 914.02 |
| 35 | Kali Tiger Reserve | Karnataka | 1,097.51 |
| 36 | Sanjay Dhubri Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1,674.50 |
| 37 | Mudumalai Tiger Reserve | Tamil Nadu | 688.59 |
| 38 | Nagarhole Tiger Reserve | Karnataka | 1,205.76 |
| 39 | Parambikulam Tiger Reserve | Kerala | 643.66 |
| 40 | Sahyadri Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 1,165.57 |
| 41 | Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve | Karnataka | 574.82 |
| 42 | Kawal Tiger Reserve | Telangana | 2,015.44 |
| 43 | Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve | Tamil Nadu | 1,408.40 |
| 44 | Mukundara Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan | 759.99 |
| 45 | Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 1,894.94 |
| 46 | Amrabad Tiger Reserve | Telangana | 2,611.39 |
| 47 | Pilibhit Tiger Reserve | Uttar Pradesh | 730.25 |
| 48 | Bor Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 816.27 |
| 49 | Rajaji Tiger Reserve | Uttarakhand | 1075.17 |
| 50 | Orang Tiger Reserve | Assam | 492.46 |
| 51 | Kamlang Tiger Reserve | Arunachal Pradesh | 783.00 |
| 52 | Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve | Tamil Nadu | 1016.57 |
| 53 | Guru Ghasidas National Park | Chhattisgarh | 2048 |
| 54 | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1,414 |
54th Tiger Reserve Veerangana Durgavati
Madhya Pradesh, famously known as the “Tiger State” of India, has introduced a new sanctuary for tigers named the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This sanctuary, created by the state government, is Madhya Pradesh’s 7th tiger reserve and India’s 54th.
According to the 2018 tiger census, Madhya Pradesh was home to 526 tigers. Now, the state boasts 785 tigers, reinforcing its position as the premier tiger habitat in the country. The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve spans a core area of roughly 1,414 square kilometers and includes a buffer zone of approximately 925.12 square kilometers, according to official data.
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First Tiger Reserve in India
India’s inaugural tiger reserve was established in 1973 under the Project Tiger initiative, which aimed to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and its natural environment. Initially known as Hailey National Park, it was subsequently renamed Jim Corbett National Park and is now known as Corbett Tiger Reserve, situated in Uttarakhand. Named in honor of the famous conservationist Jim Corbett, the park became India’s first tiger reserve in 1973.
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Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India
India’s top 10 largest tiger reserves encompass vast regions with diverse habitats essential for tiger conservation. Located in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, and Odisha, these reserves, including Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam, Manas, and Melghat, serve as crucial sanctuaries for the endangered Bengal tiger and various other wildlife species.
| Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India | ||||
| S. No. | Tiger Reserve | State | Total Area (sq. km.) | Features |
| 1 | Nagarjunsagar Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana | 3296.31 | One of the largest tiger reserves in India, spread over 5 districts, home to Bengal tigers, leopards, pangolins, Indian rock pythons, etc. |
| 2 | Manas National Park | Assam | 3150.92 | UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, known for One-horned Rhinoceros, Indian Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Hoolock Gibbons, Clouded leopards, Barking Deer, etc. |
| 3 | Melghat Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 2768.52 | Prime habitat for tigers, biodiversity repository, catchment area for five major rivers. |
| 4 | Similipal National Park | Odisha | 2750 | National Park and Tiger Reserve, rich biodiversity, cool breeze from dense forests, Royal Bengal Tigers, small waterfalls. |
| 5 | Amrabad Tiger Reserve | Telangana | 2611.39 | Located in Nallamala hills, home to Chenchu tribe, diverse biodiversity including Bengal Tiger, leopard, pangolin, Mugger Crocodiles, Indian Rock Python, numerous bird species. |
| 6 | Sunderbans Tiger Reserve | West Bengal | 2584.89 | Largest delta in the world, UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for Sundari trees, Royal Bengal Tigers, conservation under Project Tiger. |
| 7 | Dudhwa Tiger Reserve | Uttar Pradesh | 2201.77 | Located on India-Nepal border, rich flora and fauna, habitat for Tigers, Rhinos, wild elephants, aquatic animals, enriched wetlands. |
| 8 | Satpura Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 2133.30 | Located south of River Narmada, rich in biodiversity, home to various species including sambar, leopard, chital,wild boar, nilgai etc. |
| 9 | Namdapha Tiger Reserve | Arunachal Pradesh | 2052.82 | Unique for hosting four Feline species: Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and various Lesser cats. |
| 10 | Kanha Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 2051.79 | Established in 1955, significant population of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, barasingha, Indian wild dogs. |
Tiger Reserves of India Map
The map of Tiger Reserves in India illustrates the geographical spread of the country’s 54 tiger reserves, highlighting their locations across different states and union territories. Each reserve is vital for the conservation of the endangered tiger population, with states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra having some of the highest numbers of reserves.
Tiger Reserves in India Schemes
India is home to 80% of the world’s tiger population, with numbers increasing from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 according to the Tiger Census Report. With 54 tiger reserves managed under initiatives such as Project Tiger, India is committed to conservation, ensuring a balanced ecosystem and fostering harmonious human-tiger coexistence.
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| Tiger Reserves in India Schemes | |
| Scheme | Objectives |
| Project Tiger | Establishment: April 1st, 1973Aim: Fully funded program aiding tiger conservation in India through financial assistance to “tiger range States” and select reserves.Oversight: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) |
| Tiger Census | Conducted by: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with help from state forest agencies and conservation NGOs.Frequency: Every four years since 2006. |
| M-STrIPES | Introduced in 2010, the purpose of the software-based monitoring system is to enhance patrolling and oversight in Indian tiger reserves, contributing to the conservation efforts for Bengal tigers. |
| St. Petersburg Declaration | In 2010, leaders from 13 tiger range nations, including India, gathered at the Petersburg Tiger Summit. They pledged to double the wild tiger population globally and ensure their protection. The initiative was coined as “TX2.” |
Tiger Reserves in India Significance
Since the early 1900s, tiger populations have plummeted, with their habitats shrinking by 93%. India hosts over 80% of the world’s tigers and highly values these apex predators. Protecting tigers is vital for maintaining natural balance, preserving diverse wildlife, keeping rivers clean, preventing soil erosion, and aiding in processes like pollination and water conservation.
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Tiger Reserves in India FAQs
Q1 How many Tiger Reserves in India are there?
Ans There are 54 Tiger Reserves in India.
Q2 Which is the first Tiger Reserves in India?
Ans First Tiger Reserves in India is Jim Corbett National Park.
Q3 Which is the Largest Tiger Reserve in India?
Ans Largest Tiger Reserve in India is Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam.
Q4 Which is the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India.?
Ans 53rd Tiger Reserve in India is Guru Ghasidas National Park.