The methodology has changed in tiger count compared to 2018 when indirect evidence, without camera trap, was also considered. The estimated figure in NEHBPL was 219 in 2018. The estimated big cat Population in NEHBPL increased considerably from 100, detected in 2006. The maximum-minimum range of tigers in NEHBPL was 194 and 244 respectively in 2018.
According to “Status of Tigers in India-2018” report NEHBPL counted 219 tigers, which was an increase of 18 tigers from the 2014 figure of 201 tigers. NEHBPL spans the landscapes ofAssam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and the contiguous forests of north West Bengal.
Nevertheless, considering the Growth of tiger population over the years, NEHBPL is one of the three zones alongwith Shivalik & Gangetic floodplain and Central India where tiger population has shown substantial rise, read the report. “There may be an estimated decline compared to the last survey, but since 2010, it has been a substantial rise from 2006 – it’s almost doubled,” said Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, acclaimed wildlife expert, who was present at the event.
Overall, Shivalik Hills & Gangetic Plains Landscape has 804 camera trapped tigers, while landscape-wise Central Indian Highlands & Eastern Ghats Landscape has the highest 1,161 individual tigers photo captured.