Assam's Orang Tiger Reserve Sees Growth In Tiger Numbers, Boosting Conservation Efforts
GUWAHATI: The Orang Tiger Reserve, located along the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam’s Darrang and Sonitpur districts, has become a model for wildlife conservation.
Recent surveys conducted with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) confirmed that the tiger population has grown to over 26, a significant increase from the past decade.
Despite covering only 78.8 square kilometers, the reserve supports a rich ecosystem, home to tigers, rhinos, elephants, and various plant and animal species. Its location along the Brahmaputra also attracts migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
However, human-wildlife conflict remains a challenge due to nearby human settlements. Authorities are addressing this by raising awareness and creating eco-sensitive zones to reduce conflicts. The rising tiger population has encouraged conservationists, who frequently observe Royal Bengal tigers in the wild.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting this fragile ecosystem through increased patrolling, advanced surveillance methods like drones and camera traps, and community involvement. Anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration have also contributed to the reserve’s success.
Historically, the land was inhabited by tribal communities but was abandoned in the early 1900s due to an epidemic. The British later designated it as a game reserve in 1915, and it became a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 before gaining national park status in 1999.
To enhance animal movement, the state government recently cleared 2,099 hectares in Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, restoring a vital corridor between Orang and Kaziranga National Park, strengthening conservation efforts further.
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