Bhubaneswar/Similipal, Jul 16: Similipal National Park is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in its tiger population, with the number of big cats increasing to 35, offering a major boost to wildlife conservation efforts in Odisha.

The latest estimate was shared by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, who said the growing tiger population has significantly reduced fears of local extinction in the famed tiger reserve.

According to Jha, Similipal had only 16 tigers during the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2022, raising concerns over the long-term survival of the species in the reserve. However, the population has steadily recovered over the past few years.

The Odisha State Tiger Estimation 2024 had recorded 27 tigers, including 14 females and 13 males. The latest six-month camera trap survey, conducted across the northern and southern divisions of Similipal since December last year, has now captured the movement of 35 individual tigers.

The camera trap data identified 17 male and 18 female tigers. Notably, 19 of the 35 tigers are melanistic (black) tigers, a rare genetic variant for which Similipal is globally renowned.

The tiger cub population has also shown encouraging growth. With the inclusion of four cubs born to tigress 'Jinnat', which was translocated from Maharashtra in 2024, the number of tiger cubs in Similipal has reached 16. Wildlife experts say this is a positive indicator of successful breeding and a healthy ecosystem.

The findings have been forwarded to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for scientific analysis and verification.

Senior WII scientist Dr. Bibhas Pandav said that while South Similipal was traditionally considered the primary tiger habitat, the big cats have gradually expanded their territory into North Similipal, particularly in the Talabandh, Chahala, and Gudugudia ranges.

Nearly 1,000 camera traps have been installed across the national park to monitor tiger movements. Officials said the footage is still being analysed, as individual tigers may have been photographed multiple times. After eliminating duplicate sightings, the final tiger count could even exceed 35.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Forest Department is planning to further strengthen Similipal's tiger population by introducing one male and one female tiger from the Central Indian landscape, a move expected to enhance genetic diversity and support long-term conservation.

The final tiger estimation report is expected to be released next year, following detailed scientific evaluation of the camera trap data.