Tiger Reserves in India: On March 9, 2025, Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh was declared India’s 58th Tiger Reserve by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, making it the 9th tiger reserve in the state. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this crucial step.
Key Highlights of Madhav Tiger Reserve
- Location: Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Tiger Population: 5 tigers, including two new cubs.
- Repopulation Efforts: 3 tigers were introduced in 2023 under the Tiger Reintroduction Project.
- Government Announcement: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav declared Madhav National Park as a Tiger Reserve.
Importance of the New Tiger Reserve
Madhya Pradesh is often referred to as the “Tiger State of India“ due to its rich tiger population. The addition of Madhav National Park as the 58th tiger reserve will further enhance the state’s contribution to tiger conservation.
Image Source: The Hindu Epaper
The Union Environment Minister highlighted this as a major step in India’s environmental protection journey. With growing awareness and conservation efforts, India continues to lead globally in wildlife protection.
List of Tiger Reserves in India (State-wise)
Madhya Pradesh (9 Tiger Reserves)
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
- Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Panna Tiger Reserve
- Pench Tiger Reserve
- Satpura Tiger Reserve
- Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve
- Ratapani Tiger Reserve
- Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
- Madhav Tiger Reserve (Latest addition)
Maharashtra (6 Tiger Reserves)
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
- Melghat Tiger Reserve
- Pench Tiger Reserve
- Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
- Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve
- Bor Tiger Reserve
Rajasthan (4 Tiger Reserves)
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
- Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
Karnataka (5 Tiger Reserves)
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
- Bhadra Tiger Reserve
- Kali Tiger Reserve
- Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve
Uttarakhand (2 Tiger Reserves)
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve (First in India)
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Tamil Nadu (5 Tiger Reserves)
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- Anamalai Tiger Reserve
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
- Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve
Kerala (2 Tiger Reserves)
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Assam (4 Tiger Reserves)
- Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
- Manas Tiger Reserve
- Orang Tiger Reserve
- Nameri Tiger Reserve
West Bengal (2 Tiger Reserves)
- Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
- Buxa Tiger Reserve
Other States with Notable Tiger Reserves
- Andhra Pradesh: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
- Chhattisgarh: Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
- Bihar: Valmiki Tiger Reserve
- Jharkhand: Palamau Tiger Reserve
- Odisha: Similipal Tiger Reserve
- Goa: Mhadei Tiger Reserve
India’s Tiger Conservation Efforts
India is home to over 70% of the world’s tiger population. The addition of the 58th tiger reserve reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to protect the species. Projects like Project Tiger (launched in 1973) have played a pivotal role in increasing tiger numbers in the country.
Recent Milestones in Tiger Conservation
- 2018 Tiger Census: India recorded 2,967 tigers, a 33% increase from the previous census in 2014.
- Global Leadership: India continues to lead globally in tiger conservation, with several UNESCO-recognized reserves.
MCQs on Tiger Reserves in India
1. Which state has the highest number of tiger reserves in India?
a) Karnataka
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Maharashtra
d) Rajasthan
Answer: b) Madhya Pradesh
2. Which is the latest tiger reserve in India as of 2024?
a) Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
b) Madhav Tiger Reserve
c) Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
d) Similipal Tiger Reserve
Answer: b) Madhav Tiger Reserve
3. Which tiger reserve is located in Rajasthan?
a) Buxa Tiger Reserve
b) Bandipur Tiger Reserve
c) Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
d) Periyar Tiger Reserve
Answer: c) Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
4. In which year was Project Tiger launched in India?
a) 1971
b) 1973
c) 1985
d) 1990
Answer: b) 1973
5. Which tiger reserve is famous for being home to the highest tiger population in India?
a) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
b) Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
c) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
d) Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
Answer: a) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
