Know about these Tiger Reserves in India and celebrate World Tiger Day with these big cats

These ferocious animals are not just the national animal of the country but also an important creature across the world. For many years, the numbers of tigers had declined for a long time before people stepped up to actively protect them. Even today, the number of tigers is monitored closely across the country. We can't let these majestic beings go extinct. Check out these Tiger Reserves in India with the most tiger population.

1. Jim Corbett National Park

With 215 tigers as of 2014, Jim Corbett National Park has the highest tiger population in the country. Located in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, this was the first tiger reserve to come under Project Tiger – a tiger conservation program launched in 1973. Home to Bengal tigers, the best time to see them is during the dry season of April to mid-June. But careful, they are known to hunt down bigger animals than themselves.

2. Bandipur National Park

This tiger reserve was established in 1974 as a part of the Tiger Project, and with 120 tigers, this is the second most populated tiger reserve in India. Popular for Bengal tiger, this park is also home to other endangered species like Indian elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes, jackals, and dholes.

3. Kaziranga National Park

One of the popular Tiger reserves in India, Kaziranga has been home to rich wildlife since 1908. They have 103 tigers as of 2014 and has the highest tiger density (one per five km2). Not only tigers, but they are also home to big cats like leopards. Small mammals like the hispid hare, White-horned Rhino, Indian gray mongoose, small Indian mongoose make for a richer diversity here.

4. Nagarhole National Park

Set in Kodu and Mysore district of Karnataka, this national park is one of India's premier Tiger Reserves. Major relocation activity has been taken place in this national park in the last decade. The tribals were relocated to the periphery of the forest to conserve the existing tiger population and the elephant habitat that were under threat. This Tiger Reserve in India is also part of an International Biosphere Reserve and is being considered as a Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

5. Mudumalai

Located on top of Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, this Tiger reserve is home to several endangered species along with tigers. And as of 2014, there are close to 90 tigers living here. Other than the majestic big cat, you can also find critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture, 266 species of bird, and diverse habitat with 50 species of fishes, 21 species of amphibians, and 55 species of mammals.

6. Kanha

One of the largest national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha was declared a tiger reserve 1973. Spread across 1,067 kms, this is one of the biggest tiger reserves in the country. Apart from tigers, you can also find species of leopards, wild dogs, wild cats, foxes, and jackals. The national park also brings around 300 bird species, including grey hornbill, Indian roller, lesser adjutant, and little grebes.

7. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam

Spread across five districts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, covering 3,728 kms, this is the largest tiger reserve forest in India. Apart from Bengal tiger, you can also find Indian leopard, sloth bear, Ussuri dhole, Indian pangolin, chital, sambar deer, chevrotain, blackbuck, chinkara and chowsingha in this reserve. Set up in 1983, this tiger reserve also attracts tourists because of the temples of Srisailam set here.

Also Read: On World Conservation Day, meet these eco-warriors helping us build a greener future

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