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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Tadoba Safari Gets Pricier; Core Zone to Close from July 1 for Monsoon
Chandrapur: Planning a tiger safari at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)? Be prepared to pay more, as the reserve—famous for its thrilling tiger sightings—has hiked its safari charges by Rs1,000 per gypsy. The revised rates came into effect just two days ago, catching many tourists off guard. As per the new structure, a single safari in the core zone will now cost Rs8,800 on weekdays and Rs12,800 on weekends and public holidays if the booking is made 60 to 120 days in advance. Similarly, if booked between 9 and 60 days before the safari, the trip will cost Rs5,800 on weekdays and Rs6,800 on weekends. These rates will be effective from the new season, as core safaris reopen for tourists on October 1. Safaris in the buffer zone have also become costlier, with charges rising to Rs6,000 on weekdays and Rs7,000 on weekends and holidays. Tourists who had booked their trips in advance will not be affected by the hike, but those who made bookings in the past couple of days are already feeling the pinch. Resort owners and guides have expressed concern over the sudden increase, especially as basic infrastructure in the buffer areas remains underdeveloped. Meanwhile, Tadoba's core safari gates will close for the monsoon season and reopen on October 1, according to field director Prabhu Nath Shukla. "Some buffer gates will remain open during the monsoon period. The buffer zones significantly decongest core areas, support community-based tourism, and ensure wider access to wildlife sightings," he said. He added that as the monsoon approaches, it becomes crucial to regulate tourism activities to ensure the safety of tourists and allow nature to rejuvenate. Consequently, core gates remain closed during this period, while a few buffer gates stay open. Tourists, safari enthusiasts, and stakeholders are advised to check availability and book safaris only through the official website: The forest department clarified that the annual closure is necessary to prevent damage to the reserve's ecosystem and to ensure visitor safety, as muddy and unpaved roads become risky during heavy rains. Though the monsoon arrived earlier this year, safari bookings had already been made until June 30, making it difficult for the authorities to shut the zone before the usual July 1 timeline.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
TATR tiger density rose 30% in decade, buffer occupancy tripled
1 2 Nagpur: The tiger density (per 100 sq) in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has increased by almost 30% in the last decade, while for leopards it grew by 60% in last five years since it was tracked. As per the report titled 'Status of Tigers, Co-Predators, and Prey in TATR (2024)', the number of tigers utilizing buffer zone exclusively has grown by a whopping 260% in 10 years due to overall development of the area by the forest department. From just 10 tigers using buffer zone (exclusively) in 2014, there were 36 tigers recorded there in 2024. Prabhu Nath Shukla, field director of TATR said, "The proper handover of buffer area was completed around 2014. Then the forest department started developing the landscape. As flora and fauna increased, herbivores increased. And with an increased prey base, the number of tigers in buffer also increased." He added that in the last three years, the number of tigers using buffer zone (exclusively) has now stabilized around the mid-30s number. The report also tracked density of tigers and co-predators in TATR, and for the big cat the density per 100 square km now stands at seven. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Activate your McAfee Antivirus Protection Learn More Undo In 2010, approximately five tigers were using 100 sq km area. You Can Also Check: Nagpur AQI | Weather in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur Leopard population has risen sharply as per the data provided for the period 2019 till 2014. From just 106 leopards back then, their numbers have touched 144. Their density (per 100 sq km) was just under seven in 2019 but now it has galloped to over 11. The report is published annually by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the state forest department. As a part of the research project titled 'Long-term monitoring of Tigers, Co-predators and prey in Tiger reserves and other Tiger bearing areas of Vidarbha, Maharashtra', the WII initiated this study in 2019. For gathering the data, camera traps were placed in 628 grids of 2.01 sq km area each in the core and buffer area of TATR in two blocks. INFO GFX Tiger Density (per 100 sq km) Year Tiger Population 2019 6.86 2020 8.39 2021 8.69 2022 9.74 2023 9.80 2024 11.02 Tigers utilizing buffer zone exclusively Year Tiger Population 2014 10 2015 14 2016 17 2017 19 2018 22 2019 23 2020 34 2021 36 2022 38 2023 35 2024 36
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
Tadoba mulling cycle trail for tourists
Nagpur: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is exploring the feasibility of starting a cycle trail, along the periphery buffer area where villages abound, as an option for activities in which tourists can indulge. Although private resorts provide cycles for their guests, there is no official 'cycle trail' in Tadoba. Prabhu Nath Shukla, field director of TATR, said, "It's at the planning stage as we not only have to map out the cycle trail route but also factor in what support the tourist has there. Suppose a tyre gets punctured en route, then what support system can be provided." The trail will have GPS tagging of all villages and facilities available there. If the plan is approved and implemented, then TATR will gain another attraction for tourists to partake in. This trail might be a long winding one, as well as a shorter option for those who do not wish to stretch things too far. So far, there is a plan to offer a 'guide' service as all will be on cycles. This is the reason why the trail has to be mapped out through proper roads passing through villages. TATR is pushing ahead with multiple reforms to offer a plethora of choices to tourists. TOI reported their plans to hire an Artificial Intelligence (AI) officer who will use data to help with better management of the forest. The forest department is also on the lookout for an 'official partner' who will design customised experiences for tourists and market them globally. This will help TATR to not just be a 'tiger sighting' destination, but rather evolve as a place where wildlife as a whole can be experienced through different layers. One part is the rich biodiversity of the forest, which houses flora and fauna that TATR also wants tourists to see and appreciate. The other part is the culture of tribal communities that dot villages around TATR. The rich heritage that the rural population carries is also something that tourists may get to see up close, as TATR formulates a 360-degree tourism strategy.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tadoba on alert as wild tuskers from Gadchiroli near core area
Nagpur: The forest department is closely monitoring two wild tuskers that entered the buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) from Gadchiroli district on Friday. The elephants have since been moving along the periphery of the core area, prompting a heightened state of vigilance. TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla confirmed that the elephants crossed the Huma River and entered Kukadheti village in the buffer zone. "We are tracking their movement closely. As of Saturday evening, they have not entered the core area," Shukla told TOI. According to TATR officials, the elephants passed through forest compartments 808, 270A, and 270B, and were later spotted at Naleshwar Talav. By nightfall, their tracks suggested movement toward compartment 319, close to the core zone. The forest department has activated local Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and Protection Response Teams (PRTs) to assist in monitoring and awareness efforts. Villagers are being advised to avoid solitary movements in forested areas and to remain indoors during night hours. Personnel from nearby forest ranges, along with rescue teams and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), have been deployed. They are using night vision devices, infrared drones, and elephant deterrents to ensure safety and to track the tuskers' route. Staff have also been stationed at elevated observation points for better visibility. Officials have urged the public not to panic or believe in rumours. Any sightings or concerns should be reported directly to the forest department.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
In a first, TATR to have AI officer to collate data, chalk out response plan
1 2 3 Nagpur: In a first, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) will get an " Artificial Intelligence officer " to help analyze data to both predict trends and optimize administrative efficiency. TATR is already using AI tools to get inputs about tiger movements near human habitat, but now there will be a dedicated AI officer to collate the deluge of data which streams into TATR and make it "usable". TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla said, "There is a lot of data which we collect, be it on tiger movement, or forest fires or ecological balance. But in the end, it's just data, hence there is a need to convert it into reports which will help us predict certain trends and adapt our response to events in a more efficient way." Shukla, who is known to be a "hands-on" official, said technology has to be used to optimize the forest department's resources. The TATR AI officer, who will be hired on contractual basis, will oversee Al-driven wildlife monitoring, ecological data analysis, and predictive modelling for habitat management. Department wants the AI officer to optimize the existing automated surveillance and support research with AI-powered analytics. Shukla said, "We have a system in place where messages are sent to mobile phone users if tiger movement is observed by cameras in their vicinity." This was also referred to as "AI Wall", wherein cameras detect movement, recognize the animal, and send an alert if it's a predator. Shukla said, "We want to take it forward in such a way that technology helps us offer faster and better responses. Even in case of forest fires, we want AI to help us predict and optimize our response." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Egypt (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House Search Now Undo The AI officer will be bolstered by support from a "GIS data manager", who will analyse spatial data and monitor wildlife landscape changes. Another responsibility of the GIS data manager will be to create detailed maps and visualizations to support decision making and conservation strategies. BOX Tadoba Gets AI Boost: Tech Joins the Tiger Patrol * AI officer to be hired on contract to streamline data into actionable conservation strategies * Predictive modelling to aid in forest fire response, wildlife movement, and habitat management * AI Wall system alerts locals when predator movement is detected near human zones * GIS data manager to map spatial changes, track landscape shifts, and aid visual analysis * Focus on tech synergy to optimize forest department's resources and enhance real-time monitoring Nagpur: In a first, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) will get an "Artificial Intelligence officer" to help analyze data to both predict trends and optimize administrative efficiency. TATR is already using AI tools to get inputs about tiger movements near human habitat, but now there will be a dedicated AI officer to collate the deluge of data which streams into TATR and make it "usable". TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla said, "There is a lot of data which we collect, be it on tiger movement, or forest fires or ecological balance. But in the end, it's just data, hence there is a need to convert it into reports which will help us predict certain trends and adapt our response to events in a more efficient way." Shukla, who is known to be a "hands-on" official, said technology has to be used to optimize the forest department's resources. The TATR AI officer, who will be hired on contractual basis, will oversee Al-driven wildlife monitoring, ecological data analysis, and predictive modelling for habitat management. Department wants the AI officer to optimize the existing automated surveillance and support research with AI-powered analytics. Shukla said, "We have a system in place where messages are sent to mobile phone users if tiger movement is observed by cameras in their vicinity." This was also referred to as "AI Wall", wherein cameras detect movement, recognize the animal, and send an alert if it's a predator. Shukla said, "We want to take it forward in such a way that technology helps us offer faster and better responses. Even in case of forest fires, we want AI to help us predict and optimize our response." The AI officer will be bolstered by support from a "GIS data manager", who will analyse spatial data and monitor wildlife landscape changes. Another responsibility of the GIS data manager will be to create detailed maps and visualizations to support decision making and conservation strategies. BOX Tadoba Gets AI Boost: Tech Joins the Tiger Patrol * AI officer to be hired on contract to streamline data into actionable conservation strategies * Predictive modelling to aid in forest fire response, wildlife movement, and habitat management * AI Wall system alerts locals when predator movement is detected near human zones * GIS data manager to map spatial changes, track landscape shifts, and aid visual analysis * Focus on tech synergy to optimize forest department's resources and enhance real-time monitoring
