Latest news with #RohitGopidi
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Foresters elated as more tigers roar at Amrabad
HYDERABAD: The Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) has recorded a rise in its tiger population from 33 to 36 in the 2024–25 Phase IV Monitoring exercise. Though modest, the increase is underpinned by deeper indicators: more adult tigers, more breeding females and signs of long-term stability. The Forest department, which conducted the monitoring between December 2024 and May 2025, used 1,594 camera traps across 797 grid points following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols. Dividing the reserve into four spatial blocks, officials ensured systematic data collection through both direct sightings and indirect signs such as pugmarks and scats. Amrabad Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rohit Gopidi told TNIE that the numbers reflect five years of uninterrupted protection and zero poaching. 'You don't need to do much if you simply protect tigers from being killed. Conservation is about patience. What we're seeing now is the result of consistent effort,' he added. Adult tiger numbers rose from 26 to 34, and breeding females from 15 to 20. While the number of recorded cubs dropped from seven to two, Gopidi said this was part of the natural reproductive cycle. 'Most breeding females had cubs last year. Tigers don't breed again until the cubs mature, usually after two years. What matters is we've hit a key threshold of 20 breeding females,' he said. Actual numbers could be higher: DFO Just days after the monitoring period ended, officials spotted another tigress with three cubs, raising hopes for a strong birth cycle ahead. Gopidi expects 10–11 tigresses to breed this year. Each camera trap, placed roughly every 2 square kilometres, ran for 30 days before being rotated, allowing for photo-identification of individual tigers. 'This is not an estimate, it's a confirmed minimum count. Actual numbers could be higher,' Gopidi noted. Much of the success, the DFO said, comes from the ground. ATR currently has two anti-poaching camps with five squads each, aided by 25 full-time trackers stationed deep in the forest. 'Trained trackers, routine patrolling and local engagement have helped ensure zero poaching in recent years,' he added.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Amrabad now has 36 tigers
Tiger population in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve is showing encouraging growth as revealed by the latest estimates. Phase IV of the Tiger Monitoring exercise for the year 2024-25 has shown an increase of three tigers in the protected sanctuary. The Phase-IV monitoring for the previous year estimated the tiger population at 33, while the latest one counted 36. Of these, 13 are males and 20, females, besides two cubs and one unidentified tiger. The previous year's estimate counted 11 males, 15 females and seven cubs. The number of adult tigers rose from 26 to 34, reflecting a steady positive trend, said a statement from the Field Director, Project Tiger. Notably, the increase in breeding females signifies improved reproductive success and population resilience. The monitoring exercise was carried out in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols, covering 10 forest ranges divided into four spatial blocks for effective and systematic data collection, the statement said. A total 1,594 camera traps were deployed in the reserve between December 20, 2024 and May 15, 2025 for identifying the tigers. The indirect monitoring exercise covered 797 grid locations, each two square kilometres, to confirm the camera trap data with indirect signs such as pug marks, scats, and scrape & rake marks, the statement said. Field Director Rohit Gopidi termed the results as encouraging and attributed the success to the field staff.
