How are tiger and elephant reserves shaping India’s wildlife conservation strategy?

India’s wildlife conservation efforts are increasingly centred on strengthening tiger and elephant reserves, with recent data showing steady expansion in both protected habitats and supporting ecological corridors. The approach reflects a shift toward securing large, connected landscapes essential for the long-term survival of these flagship species.

Between 2020 and 2025, the number of tiger reserves in the country increased from 50 to 58, while elephant reserves rose from 30 to 33. These reserves form the backbone of species-specific conservation programmes such as Project Tiger and Project Elephant, which provide targeted financial and technical support to states for habitat protection and wildlife management.

To ensure these reserves function as interconnected ecosystems rather than isolated forest patches, India has identified 32 tiger corridors and 150 elephant corridors. These corridors enable safe movement between core habitats, support genetic diversity, and play a critical role in mitigating human–wildlife conflict, particularly in landscapes where development pressures are high.

Management within tiger and elephant reserves has been strengthened through structured monitoring and evaluation. Regular Management Effectiveness Evaluation exercises are conducted to assess protection measures, habitat quality, and administrative efficiency. At the same time, all critical infrastructure within these landscapes—such as bridges, subways, and access routes—is monitored to minimise ecological disruption.

On-ground conservation work within reserves includes grassland and water-source development, removal of invasive species, maintenance of fire lines, soil and moisture conservation, and establishment of anti-poaching camps and patrol units. Technology is increasingly being used to support these efforts, with camera traps, drones, e-surveillance systems, and improved communication networks helping forest officials track animal movement and respond quickly to threats.

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Population trends suggest that these focused interventions are yielding results. The All India Tiger Estimation conducted in 2022 recorded an estimated 3,682 tigers, up from 2,967 in 2018. While elephant population assessments are carried out periodically by states, the expansion of elephant reserves and corridors reflects growing recognition of the species’ wide-ranging habitat needs.

Overall, the growing network of tiger and elephant reserves, supported by corridors, technology, and sustained funding, indicates a long-term conservation strategy aimed at balancing species protection with landscape-level planning. As these reserves expand and evolve, they remain central to India’s efforts to safeguard biodiversity while managing increasing human pressure on natural habitats.