The North Bengal tiger census 2026 is set to begin on January 18, with experts preparing to count big cats in the Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. This exercise is part of India’s nationwide tiger monitoring program, coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. The census aims to provide updated data on tiger populations, habitat conditions, and conservation challenges in Bengal’s forests.
2. The Census Plan
- Conducted by forest officials, wildlife experts, and trained volunteers.
- Methods include:
- Camera traps placed strategically across forest zones.
- Pugmark tracking and scat analysis.
- Line transect surveys to estimate prey density.
- Duration: Several weeks, with preliminary results expected by March 2026.
- Objective: To assess tiger presence, population trends, and habitat health in Gorumara and Chapramari.
3. Gorumara National Park
- Location: Jalpaiguri district, North Bengal.
- Area: 80 sq km.
- Known for: Indian rhinoceros, elephants, gaurs, and diverse birdlife.
- Tiger presence: Historically low, but occasional sightings reported.
- Census significance: To confirm whether tigers are resident or transient visitors.
4. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Adjacent to Gorumara, covering 9.6 sq km.
- Known for: Elephants, leopards, and rich biodiversity.
- Tiger sightings: Rare, but census will determine movement patterns.
- Importance: Acts as a corridor linking larger forest ecosystems.
5. Bengal’s Tiger Landscape
- Major tiger habitats: Sundarbans, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara, Chapramari.
- Sundarbans: Home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, adapted to mangrove ecosystems.
- North Bengal forests: Smaller populations, often transient due to corridor connectivity with Bhutan and Assam.
- Census helps clarify distribution and conservation needs.
6. North Bengal Tiger Census 2026: Governance Challenges
The census reflects broader issues:
- Habitat fragmentation due to tea plantations, roads, and railways.
- Human‑wildlife conflict in buffer zones.
- Poaching threats despite strict laws.
- Climate change impacts altering prey availability and forest ecology.
7. Government External Links for Assistance
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
- Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change: https://moef.gov.in
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): https://ntca.gov.in
- Supreme Court of India:
https://main.sci.gov.in(main.sci.gov.in in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)
8. Historical Context of Tiger Censuses in Bengal
- 2006: NTCA launched all‑India tiger census with modern methods.
- 2014: Bengal recorded stable tiger numbers in Sundarbans.
- 2018: Camera traps confirmed tiger presence in Buxa.
- 2022: Census highlighted corridor movements in North Bengal.
- 2026: Current survey focuses on Gorumara and Chapramari, where tiger presence remains debated.
9. Community Impact
- Local villagers express curiosity and concern about tiger presence.
- Plantation workers fear increased encounters if tiger numbers rise.
- Eco‑tourism operators hope census results will boost wildlife tourism.
- Civil society groups demand compensation schemes for conflict victims.
10. Global Comparisons
Similar tiger monitoring efforts worldwide:
- Nepal: Chitwan National Park uses camera traps to track tiger recovery.
- Bangladesh: Sundarbans tiger census highlights cross‑border conservation needs.
- Russia: Amur tiger surveys combine drones and genetic sampling.
Bengal’s case mirrors these global struggles where big cat conservation depends on science, community, and governance.
11. Governance Lessons
The North Bengal census teaches:
- Scientific monitoring is essential for credible conservation.
- Community involvement reduces conflict and builds trust.
- Cross‑border cooperation with Bhutan and Assam strengthens corridors.
- Climate resilience strategies must be integrated into tiger protection.
12. Future Outlook – Tiger Conservation in Bengal
India must move towards:
- Smart surveillance systems using drones and AI.
- Eco‑friendly tourism policies to reduce habitat disturbance.
- Public dashboards showing tiger census data transparently.
- Educational campaigns to engage schools and colleges in conservation.
13. Conclusion
The North Bengal tiger census 2026 is more than a scientific exercise—it is a test of Bengal’s ecological resilience and governance capacity. By counting big cats in Gorumara and Chapramari, experts aim to clarify tiger presence, strengthen conservation strategies, and balance community safety with ecological integrity. For Bengal, the lesson is clear: protecting tigers means protecting forests, communities, and the future of biodiversity.
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