Assam’s Nameri Tiger Reserve has recorded a remarkable fourfold increase in its tiger population over a three-year period, rising from just three tigers in 2022 to 12 by the end of 2025, according to the latest assessment validated by the Wildlife Institute of India.
The development was shared on Friday, July 3, by Assam Forest and Environment Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who described the surge as a significant milestone in the state’s conservation efforts. In a post on X, the minister said the achievement reflects sustained forest protection measures implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“From just three tigers in 2022 to 12 by the end of 2025, Nameri Tiger Reserve has scripted a remarkable conservation success, validated by the Wildlife Institute of India,” Baruah stated, attributing the growth to continued efforts to strengthen wildlife habitats and protection mechanisms.
The minister also highlighted another notable development, announcing the return of two tigers to the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, which functions as the satellite core of the Nameri Tiger Reserve, after decades of absence. He termed the development another important achievement in Assam’s wildlife conservation journey.
Nameri Tiger Reserve, which includes Nameri National Park, Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Naduar and Balipara Reserve Forests, spans a diverse ecological landscape. While Nameri National Park covers around 200 square kilometres as the core area, the 120-square-kilometre Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary serves as its satellite core.
The increase in tiger numbers is being viewed as a strong indicator of improving habitat conditions and enhanced protection measures, reinforcing Assam’s position as a key state in India’s tiger conservation efforts.
