Guwahati: A recent study has reported that the tiger population in Manas National Park in Assam has tripled between 2011 and 2019.
The report in the Journal of Biological Conservation credited the park’s recovery – after suffering from prolonged armed conflict – to an increased funding, enhanced protection infrastructure and a larger staff.
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The study indicated that tourism revenue boosted management budgets, which in turn supported growth in the 500-square-kilometre park.
The findings showed that coordinated efforts involving the local communities, government and conservation agencies can result in successful species recovery in post-conflict situations.
The report, however, said that challenges such as poaching and habitat loss continue, highlighting the importance of sustained management efforts as tiger populations near their carrying capacity.
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The report said that between 2015 and 2022, international organisations, including Panthera and the US Fish and Wildlife Service collaborated closely with the local communities and park management, investing significant resources and efforts.
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These initiatives contributed to reducing the high dependency of people on the park’s natural resources.
As per the report, park entry by local people significantly decreased over the past decade as the park staff was trained in enhanced patrol tactics with the communities being educated on alternative and sustainable livelihood options.
As a result, many individuals were able to meet their livelihood needs within their homes or villages.
The study indicated the tiger population density in Manas has risen from 1.06 adults per 100 square kilometre in 2011-12 to 3.64 in 2018-19 with the potential to increase further to eight or above.
It noted that with effective conservation measures in place, the number of tigers in the park could potentially double by 2023.
A total of 44 adult tigers were sighted in the park in 2021.