Why was the Tiger Estimation in Namdapha National Park in the News?
- Tiger estimation exercise has been initiated in Namdapha National Park as part of the 6th cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2025-26.
- The exercise aims to assess the status, distribution, and population trends of large carnivores in one of India’s most ecologically complex landscapes.
About All India Tiger Estimation (AITE):
- A periodic, scientific, and standardized assessment conducted every four years.
- Coordinated by NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Forms the backbone of India’s evidence-based wildlife conservation strategy.
- Estimation helps in policy formulation, resource allocation, habitat management, and achieving international conservation commitments (TX2, CBD)
Methods Used in Tiger Estimation:
- Camera trapping protocols for individual identification.
- Line transects for prey density estimation.
- Sign surveys (pugmarks, scats, scrape marks).
- Digital geo-tagging and GIS mapping.
- Use of advanced data analytics and centralized databases.
Namdapha National Park:
- Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- The park was established in 1972 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.
- Part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
- One of the few parks globally hosting four big cat species.
- Acts as a transboundary ecological corridor with Myanmar.
Key Challenges in Namdapha National Park:
- Dense tropical forests limiting visibility.
- Rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions.
- Poor communication and accessibility in interior areas.
- Uncontrolled poaching due to porous borders.
- Decline or disappearance of apex predators, leading to:
- Trophic imbalance
- Overpopulation of herbivores
- Forest degradation
Conclusion:
- Tiger estimation in Namdapha highlights India’s shift towards science-led conservation in frontier landscapes.
- Success depends on technology, governance, and community participation.
- Protecting apex predators is essential for long-term ecosystem stability in the Eastern Himalayas.
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Prelims Practice Question:
With reference to the Tiger Estimation exercise in Namdapha National Park, consider the following statements:
- It is being conducted as part of the 6th cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (2025–26).
- The exercise is coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India.
- Namdapha National Park is part of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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