Raj tiger population rises to 149, Ranthambore houses nearly 50%

Jaipur: Rajasthan’stiger population has increased to 149 across its five tiger reserves, with Ranthambore housing 72 of them, officials said on the eve of International Tiger Day. The combined population of tigers, tigresses and cubs in the Ranthambore, Sariska, Dholpur-Karauli, Mukundara Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari tiger reserves has risen to 149 this year from 135 last year.

Chief Wildlife Warden KC Arun Prasad told PTI that 54 tigresses gave birth to 53 cubs across the state’s five tiger reserves this year, compared with 52 tigresses producing 43 cubs in 2025. Sariska Tiger Reserve recorded the highest number of births, with 28 cubs.

Prasad said Ranthambore Tiger Reserve continues to have the state’s largest tiger population, with 72 tigers, tigresses and cubs, up from 66 last year. Sariska’s population has also increased to 56 from 50 during the same period. Wildlife experts said the rising tiger population indicates that Rajasthan’s forests are becoming healthier.

As apex predators, tigers play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and their presence is widely regarded as a sign of a thriving forest ecosystem. Experts noted that about two decades ago Rajasthan’s tiger population had declined to just 18-20 animals, placing the species at serious risk in the state. “Today, Rajasthan has emerged as one of India’s leading tiger landscapes,” an expert said.

Of the state’s total tiger population of 149, around 96 are adult tigers and tigresses, while the remainder are cubs. Ranthambore alone is home to around 50 adults and 22 cubs. Forest Department officials said Ranthambore is among India’s most successful tiger reserves in terms of breeding and cub survival. It is also one of the country’s most popular wildlife tourism destinations because tiger sightings are comparatively easier in its dry deciduous forests than in denser forest landscapes.