Similipal tiger population rises from 5 to 35 in 12 years, officials cite conservation efforts

Business To Business, Bhubaneshwar, 29^th July, 2026:   The authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve on Wednesday credited scientific management practices and community participation for the increase in the reserve's tiger population from five in 2014 to 35 in 2026.
Speaking on the occasion of International Tiger Day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik issued separate messages calling for collective efforts to protect and conserve the state's Royal Bengal Tigers.
Addressing a function at Similipal, Prakash Chand Gogineni, Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve-cum-Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Baripada, said the remarkable rise in the tiger population was the result of scientific conservation strategies and sustained cooperation from local communities.
The officials highlighted that effective habitat management, continuous monitoring and community involvement have been instrumental in strengthening tiger conservation efforts in the reserve over the past decade.
The occasion was marked by renewed appeals from political leaders and forest authorities for continued public support to safeguard Odisha's tiger population and preserve its rich wildlife heritage.