Manas National Park: A Triumphant Comeback for Tigers in a Post-Conflict Landscape

A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Conservation reveals a remarkable three-fold increase in tiger population density in Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam, India. This surge, observed between 2011 and 2019, is attributed to enhanced conservation efforts by the state forest department and local communities, coupled with increased funding and improved protection infrastructure. The study, conducted by a team led by Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, highlights the effectiveness of collaborative conservation strategies in post-conflict regions. The study found a 12% yearly growth rate in tiger population, with the number of adult tigers increasing from eight in 2011-2012 to 44 in 2018-2019. This success is attributed to the park’s location within the Transboundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA), a vast interconnected forest landscape spanning India and Bhutan, which provides crucial habitat for tigers. The study also emphasizes the importance of thriving tourism revenue, which has bolstered management budgets and contributed to the park’s conservation efforts. While the recovery of tiger populations in Manas is a significant achievement, the study also acknowledges ongoing challenges such as poaching and habitat loss, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and management to ensure the long-term sustainability of tiger populations in the region.