Fresh evidence on the opening day of Jharkhand’s tiger census has confirmed the presence of big cats in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). The census, which began on December 15, is being conducted across 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected wildlife divisions, including Palamu and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.
It forms part of a nationwide exercise held every four years to collect scientifically validated data on wildlife populations.
PTR Deputy Director Prajesh Kant Jena confirmed that tiger pugmarks and scat were found at multiple locations on the very first day of the survey, indicating active tiger presence.
He said all signs collected until December 22 will undergo scientific verification and documentation through phased surveys, camera trapping, and data analysis. Evidence of leopards and wolves has also been recorded.
The census aims to document tiger presence, movement, and habitat conditions along with data on other major carnivores and large herbivores. Activities are being carried out under the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITI) 2026 guidelines to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
A total of 110 forest guards, 300 trackers, and 25 volunteers are participating in the survey, which includes track searches, sign surveys, and primary data recording.
For the first time, university students studying botany and zoology have joined as volunteers, helping build a young workforce and raise awareness about tiger conservation.
The survey has also been extended beyond Palamu for the first time to forest ranges in Ranchi, Dumka, and Hazaribagh. Officials are combining traditional field methods with modern tools such as camera traps and a dedicated ecological mobile app for real-time data collection.
Jharkhand’s tiger population has fluctuated over the years: from 10 in 2006, down to three in 2014, and six in the latest report. Palamu, once home to 71 tigers in 1995, had none reported in 2018, making this year’s findings particularly encouraging for conservation efforts.
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