Tiger Reserves in India 2025: State-Wise List, Origins, and Future of Conservation

India leads global tiger conservation efforts by protecting nearly 75% of the world’s wild tiger population. The country’s protected areas now include 58 tiger reserves, covering about 2.3% of its total land area. This vast network stands as one of the world’s most inspiring wildlife conservation success stories.

The tiger population has seen a remarkable recovery — from an all-time low of 1,411 tigers in 2006 to 3,682 wild tigers in 2023. This comeback reflects decades of focused conservation work under Project Tiger, which began in 1973 with just 9 reserves. Today, the network has expanded to 58 reserves, with Madhav Tiger Reserve being the newest addition. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh leads with 785 tigers, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444), as per the 2022 census.

In this piece, you’ll discover the complete story of India’s tiger reserves — their evolution, state-wise population, conservation strategies, and iconic sanctuaries like Nagarjunsagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which spans Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to Tiger Reserves in India.

Project Tiger and the Birth of Tiger Reserves

Tigers were vanishing from India at an alarming rate in the early 1970s. Facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human–wildlife conflicts, their survival hung in the balance. To address this crisis, the government launched Project Tiger in 1973, a landmark initiative that created dedicated Tiger Reserves in India. What began as an urgent response soon grew into one of the world’s most inspiring conservation stories, ensuring that the roar of the tiger continues to echo through India’s forests.

Why Project Tiger was launched in 1973

The Indian Board for Wildlife’s Executive Committee quickly recognized the urgency of India’s declining tiger population. To address the crisis, they formed an 11-member Task Force tasked with designing a detailed conservation strategy. Their recommendations gave birth to Project Tiger, officially launched on April 1, 1973, at Corbett National Park.

The initiative began with nine tiger reserves covering 9,115 sq km, carefully selected to represent the country’s diverse tiger habitats—from the Himalayan foothills to central Indian forests and southern landscapes. These initial efforts laid the foundation for the vast network of Tiger Reserves in India that continues to expand and protect the majestic Bengal tiger today.

• Corbett (Uttar Pradesh)
• Palamau (Bihar)
• Similipal (Orissa)
• Sundarbans (West Bengal)
• Manas (Assam)
• Ranthambore (Rajasthan)
• Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)
• Melghat (Maharashtra)
• Bandipur (Mysore)

The main goal was straightforward: “to ensure maintenance of a viable population of Tigers in India for scientific, economic, esthetic, cultural and ecological values and to preserve for all time areas of biological importance as a national heritage”. On top of that, the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 brought a new era of conservation to India by providing legal support to these efforts.

Role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

Project Tiger’s growth showed the need for a legal authority to protect tigers better. The Tiger Task Force recommended changes in 2005, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act was updated in 2006. These changes created the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as a legal entity.

The NTCA reshaped the scene by turning Project Tiger from a simple funding program into a shared responsibility between central government, state governments, and tiger reserves. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change now oversees this powerful authority.

The Tiger Conservation Authority helps state governments create tiger conservation plans and manages tiger reserves through community involvement. They make sure connected habitats stay protected from harmful development. They also provide technical and legal help, watch over tiger habitats, count tiger populations, and support research.

Core and buffer zone concept explained

Tiger reserves use a “core-buffer” strategy that’s essential to their success. Each reserve has two distinct zones that serve different purposes.

The core area is the reserve’s heart, usually protected as a national park or wildlife sanctuary. This critical tiger habitat is strictly protected, and people can’t live here or use the land – no tourism, grazing, settlements, or forest product collection is allowed. This space lets tigers and their prey breed without disturbance.

A buffer zone wraps around this core like a protective shield. This area balances conservation with careful land use. It gives extra space for wildlife that moves beyond the core while helping local communities make a living sustainably.

People can do some activities in the buffer zone, like controlled tourism, research, and environmental education. This setup helps alleviate conflicts between humans and wildlife while reducing pressure on core areas. Today, more than three million people live in these buffer zones, showing how conservation and community needs can work together.

Project Tiger has grown from its modest start of nine reserves to an impressive network of 51 tiger reserves across 18 states. These reserves now cover about 2.23% of India’s land, showing the country’s steadfast dedication to protecting tigers and biodiversity.

Tiger Population in India: A 2025 Snapshot

Numbers tell an incredible story about India’s tiger conservation. Our tiger population has bounced back after hitting dangerous lows in the early 2000s. This recovery shows how well-planned conservation efforts work in natural habitats of all sizes.

Growth from 2006 to 2022

The first scientific tiger census in 2006 brought grim news—only 1,411 tigers lived in India’s wilderness, the lowest count ever. This reality check pushed major changes in conservation policy, legislation, and management approaches. These combined efforts quickly showed results as population estimates grew to 1,706 tigers by 2010.

Tiger numbers kept climbing steadily through the next decade. India’s wild tiger population reached 2,226 by 2014—30% more than the previous count. The 2018 census found 2,967 tigers across the country.

This growth pattern concluded with the 2022 tiger census report, which counted an estimated 3,682 tigers (ranging between 3,167-3,925). India achieved a stunning 161% increase in its wild tiger population over just 16 years. So, our country now protects about 75% of the world’s wild tigers.

Tiger populations grew 6% each year in areas with regular monitoring. Their territory expanded by 30% between 2006 and 2018, covering roughly 138,200 km²—evidence of successful habitat protection and corridor conservation.

Current tiger population in India (2025)

India leads the world in wild tiger conservation in 2025. Latest data shows our country safeguards about 75% of global wild tigers across 58 tiger reserves. These protected areas cover 83,000 sq km of forest land, about 2.4% of India’s total area.

The four-year tiger census helps track this population growth. About 30% of India’s tigers now live outside designated reserves, which shows how important wildlife corridors and buffer zones have become.

States with the highest tiger populations

Tigers spread unevenly across India, with some states becoming their main strongholds. The 2022 census shows Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 785 tigers, followed by:

• Karnataka: 563 tigers
• Uttarakhand: 560 tigers
• Maharashtra: 444 tigers
• Tamil Nadu: 306 tigers

Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand leads with 260 tigers, while Bandipur National Park in Karnataka has 150, and Nagarhole in Karnataka follows with 141 tigers. Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (135), and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (114) also protect large tiger populations.

The Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats together house the most tigers (1,439). The Western Ghats Landscape Complex comes next with 1,087 tigers. The Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex has 819 tigers, and the North East Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains protect 236 tigers.

These achievements aside, challenges persist. Not all reserves show increasing tiger numbers. Places like Palamau (Jharkhand), Achanakmar (Chhattisgarh), and Satkosia (Odisha) have fewer tigers now. The conservation story still needs work to ensure tigers thrive in all their natural habitats across India.

List of Tiger Reserves in India (State-Wise)

India has 58 tiger reserves spread across 18 states as of March 2025. These protected sanctuaries serve as safe havens for tigers and thousands of other species that thrive in these magnificent ecosystems. Here’s how these reserves are distributed throughout different states.

Madhya Pradesh – 9 reserves

Madhya Pradesh, often called the “Tiger State of India”, stands tall with nine tiger reserves and 785 tigers as per the 2022 census. The state has maintained its prestigious title by surpassing Karnataka’s count of 563 tigers.

The tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh are:

1. Kanha Tiger Reserve (Mandla & Balaghat) – 50-year old reserve, covering 2,051.79 sq km
2. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Umaria) – Known for high tiger density, spanning 1,536.93 sq km
3. Pench Tiger Reserve (Seoni) – Covering 1,179.63 sq km, famous as an inspiration for “The Jungle Book”
4. Satpura Tiger Reserve (Narmadapuram) – Spanning 2,133.31 sq km
5. Panna Tiger Reserve (Panna) – Notable for tiger population revival after local extinction in 2009
6. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve (Sidhi) – Covering 1,674.50 sq km
7. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Damoh & Sagar) – Declared in 2023, spanning 1,414 sq km
8. Ratapani Tiger Reserve (Raisen & Sehore) – Declared in 2024, covering 1,271.4 sq km
9. Madhav Tiger Reserve (Shivpuri) – The newest addition in 2025, spanning 1,751 sq km

Maharashtra – 6 reserves

Maharashtra’s six dedicated tiger reserves cover about 9,113 sq km, roughly 3% of the state’s total area. The state currently houses 444 tigers according to the latest census.

The tiger reserves in Maharashtra include:

1. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Chandrapur) – Covering 1,727.59 sq km
2. Melghat Tiger Reserve (Amravati) – 50-year old reserve, spanning 2,768.52 sq km
3. Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra portion) – Covering 741.22 sq km
4. Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve – Spanning 1,894.94 sq km
5. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve – Created by combining three sanctuaries (Koyna, Chandoli, and Radhanagari), covering 1,165.57 sq km
6. Bor Tiger Reserve – India’s smallest tiger reserve, spanning 816.27 sq km

Karnataka – 5 reserves

Karnataka ranks second in tiger population with 563 tigers and maintains five tiger reserves. The state’s protected areas shelter 20% of India’s tigers and 25% of its elephants.

Karnataka’s tiger reserves are:

1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve – 49-year old reserve, covering 1,456.3 sq km
2. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park) – Spanning 1,205.76 sq km
3. Kali Tiger Reserve (formerly Dandeli-Anshi) – Covering 1,097.51 sq km
4. Bhadra Tiger Reserve – Spanning 1,064.29 sq km
5. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve – Covering 574.82 sq km

Other states and their reserves

Tiger reserves extend beyond these three states into 15 other regions:

• Uttarakhand features two tiger reserves including the prominent Corbett Tiger Reserve
• Tamil Nadu maintains five tiger reserves including Anamalai and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
• Assam has four tiger reserves including Kaziranga and Manas
• Rajasthan manages four tiger reserves including Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Sariska Tiger Reserve
• Arunachal Pradesh has three tiger reserves including Namdapha
• Chhattisgarh welcomed its newest reserve in 2024 with Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, bringing its total to four

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh stands out as India’s largest tiger reserve at 3,296.31 sq km. Other vital reserves include Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.

These reserves span multiple landscapes from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Himalayas, and from the Shivalik range to the Deccan Plateau. This diverse distribution helps protect tigers in various habitats and maintains genetic diversity throughout the country.

Top 5 Largest Tiger Reserves in India

India’s tiger sanctuaries show the country’s massive dedication to conservation. These protected areas are so big that some reserves could fit several small countries inside them. Tigers and countless other species thrive naturally in these vast spaces.

1. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

India’s largest tiger reserve, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve spreads across 3,728 sq km in five districts. The reserve sits in the lush Nallamala hill ranges, which branch out from the Eastern Ghats, and extends through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Southern tropical dry deciduous forests dominate the landscape. Tiger numbers have grown from 53-67 in 2010 to 76 in 2024. The reserve gets its name from two major dams and contains two wildlife sanctuaries: Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Manas

Manas Tiger Reserve spans 2,837 sq km in northwest Assam, making it India’s second-largest tiger sanctuary. This remarkable reserve stands out with multiple international honors – a Natural World Heritage Site, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and Important Bird Area. Manas marks the historical entry point of tigers into India and connects to a larger conservation area that reaches into Bhutan and Myanmar. The reserve teems with life, hosting 61 mammal species, 450 bird species, and 42 reptile species. The area bounced back from a troubled period (1989-2003) and regained its UNESCO heritage status in 2011.

3. Melghat

This 48-year-old tiger reserve covers 2,768 sq km in Maharashtra’s Amravati district. The name “Melghat” perfectly describes its endless hills and ravines, meaning “meeting of the ghats” in the South-western Satpura ranges. The Tapti River creates a natural border to the north, fed by five major rivers. Teak dominates these tropical dry deciduous forests, creating ideal homes for Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various wildlife. The reserve’s core area remains untouched as all 61 villages stay outside its boundaries.

4. Similipal

Mayurbhanj District in Odisha houses the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which stretches across 2,750 sq km of rolling hills. This unique reserve stands out as the world’s only home to wild melanistic (black) tigers. About 37% of Similipal’s tigers show this rare pseudo-melanism trait, giving them black coats instead of the typical orange with black stripes. The isolated tiger population has raised inbreeding concerns, with roughly 30 tigers remaining as of 2025. Two female tigers from Tadoba-Andhari reserve joined in 2024 to add genetic diversity as part of a tiger relocation project. Odisha’s largest elephant population also calls Similipal home.

5. Amrabad

Amrabad Tiger Reserve emerged as an independent entity after Andhra Pradesh and Telangana split in 2014, covering 2,611 sq km. The reserve boasts India’s second-largest core area at 2,166 sq km. Nestled in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats, this biodiversity hotspot supports 70 mammal species, over 300 bird varieties, and 60 reptile species. The rich Nallamala Forest track makes it Telangana’s tiger capital.

6-10. Other Major Tiger Reserves

The remaining largest reserves include: Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal (2,584 sq km) with its unique mangroves and 101 tigers; Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh (2,201 sq km); Satpura’s rugged terrain in Madhya Pradesh (2,133 sq km); Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh (2,052 sq km) where four big cat species live together; and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh (2,051 sq km), one of India’s first tiger reserves.

Newly Added Tiger Reserves (2023–2025)

India added three new tiger reserves to its conservation network since 2023. These additions have expanded the protected tiger habitats’ geographical reach and ecological variety.

56th: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla (Chhattisgarh)

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla (GGTP) became India’s 56th tiger reserve in early 2024. This most important addition to the country’s conservation map covers 2,829.38 square kilometers, making it the country’s third-largest tiger reserve after Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam and Manas. The reserve has a core habitat of 2,049.2 sq. km (including Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary) and a buffer zone of 780.15 sq. km.

GGTP spreads across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts. The reserve sits within the Chota Nagpur plateau and extends in part into the Baghelkhand plateau. Its location creates vital ecological links with nearby tiger reserves like Sanjay Dubri, Bandhavgarh, and Palamau, forming a network of nearly 4,500 square kilometers.

The area’s rich biodiversity includes 753 documented species – 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates. GGTP joined Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Achanakmar to become Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve.

57th: Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh)

Madhya Pradesh welcomed its eighth tiger reserve when Ratapani in Raisen district received official status as India’s 57th tiger reserve in 2024. This 48-year-old wildlife sanctuary covers 1,271.4 square kilometers, with 763.8 sq. km of core zone and 507.6 sq. km of buffer zone.

The landscape features rolling hills, plateaus, valleys, and plains, mostly covered with teak forests. Ratapani houses over 40 tigers and boasts more than 35 mammal species, 33 reptile species, 14 fish species, and 10 amphibian species. The reserve’s location near Bhopal and Bhimbetka (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) makes it an attractive tourist destination.

58th: Madhav (Madhya Pradesh)

Madhav Tiger Reserve earned its status as India’s 58th and Madhya Pradesh’s ninth tiger reserve on March 9, 2025. Located in Shivpuri district’s Chambal region, this 1,751 square kilometer reserve has a 375 sq. km core area and a 1,276 sq. km buffer zone.

The area served as a hunting ground for Mughal emperors and the Maharaja of Gwalior before becoming a National Park in 1958. Today, five tigers call this reserve home, including two cubs born recently. A reintroduction project brought three tigers, including two females, in 2023. Plans are underway to release two more tigers.

Lakes, dry deciduous, and dry thorn forests create diverse ecosystems that support leopards, Nilgai, Chinkara, and various deer species.

Conservation Schemes and Legal Framework

India’s successful tiger recovery rests on a strong legislative framework, monitoring systems, and financial mechanisms that protect these magnificent cats.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

This landmark legislation serves as the life-blood of India’s conservation efforts and provides legal protection for wildlife nationwide. The Act went through critical amendments in 2006 that established the National Tiger Conservation Authority. These changes enabled the creation of tiger reserves with clearly defined core and buffer zones. The amendments also boosted penalties for wildlife offenses, particularly those related to tiger reserves.

M-STrIPES monitoring system

M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) transformed tiger conservation through technology when it launched in 2010. This detailed system uses GPS, GPRS, and remote sensing to collect field data. Forest guards can track patrols and record wildlife observations. The system helps analyze patrol coverage, intensity, and effectiveness. This evidence-based approach leads to better conservation decisions.

Tiger Census and TX2 goal

Tiger assessments happen nationwide every four years using a methodology approved in 2005. These scientific surveys started in 2006 and revealed a population of just 1,411 tigers. The TX2 initiative emerged in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit. This global commitment aims to double wild tiger populations by 2022. Thirteen tiger range countries joined this bold mission.

The tiger census report is a crucial tool for tracking population growth and distribution. It has replaced older methods like the pugmark census technique, which was less accurate and more time-consuming.

Tiger Conservation Foundation (TCF)

The Wildlife Protection Act mandates TCFs that combine governmental authority with NGO flexibility. These foundations make ecological development easier, boost eco-tourism, create conservation assets, and generate financial resources for tiger reserves. They play a vital role in implementing tiger conservation plans developed by the NTCA.

Conclusion

India’s tiger conservation efforts are evidence of our dedication to wildlife preservation. Our country protects 75% of the world’s wild tiger population today. This remarkable achievement came through persistent conservation work over five decades.

Tiger numbers tell a compelling story. The population grew from 1,411 tigers in 2006 to a reliable count of 3,682 in 2023. Tiger reserves expanded from nine in 1973 to fifty-eight in 2025, which shows our steadfast dedication to protecting these magnificent creatures’ habitats.

Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand lead the nation’s tiger protection efforts. Their success stories serve as models for other regions that want to improve their conservation programs. Large sanctuaries like Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve and Manas will give tigers enough space to thrive in their natural habitat.

The conservation network grows stronger with new tiger reserves – Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, Ratapani, and Madhav. These protected areas create essential ecological corridors that let tigers move safely between existing reserves and expand their habitat.

Numbers tell only part of the story. The success stems from a comprehensive strategy. Core-buffer zones, scientific monitoring through M-STrIPES, regular tiger census, and strong laws are the foundations of our conservation framework.

Challenges exist without doubt. Human-wildlife conflict, poaching, habitat fragmentation, and climate change pose major risks to our tiger population. All the same, the growth pattern gives hope for these big cats’ future in India.

Our country’s tiger conservation ranks among the most successful wildlife recovery stories that ever spread across the world. Scientific management, community involvement, and constant watchfulness will help these magnificent cats roam our forests for generations. Tiger roars echoing through Indian forests symbolize a conservation win against impossible odds.

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