The first phase of the All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) commenced at Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, under the Erode Forest Division, Tamil Nadu.
This exercise forms part of the world’s largest wildlife monitoring programme, conducted once every four years. The AITE-26 uses line transect methods, M-STrIPES and camera traps, with final results expected in 2027.
All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE)
- Conducted by:
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Frequency: Once every 4 years
- Purpose:
- Estimate tiger population
- Assess co-predators: leopard, wild dog (dhole), hyaena
- Estimate prey base: gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer
- Evaluate habitat and vegetation
Coverage in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, home to five tiger reserves, is actively participating:
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- Anamalai Tiger Reserve
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
- Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve
Field Implementation at Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary
Forest Ranges Covered
- Anthiyur
- Bargur
- Chennampatti
- Thattakarai
Manpower & Area
- 150+ forest department staff
- Divided into teams
- Survey across 52 forest patrol beats
Survey Methodology
Phase I – Line Transect Method (First 3 days)
- Recording:
- Pugmarks
- Animal droppings (scat)
- Direct sightings
- Species covered:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Gaur
- Elephant
- Bear
- Note:
- Though tiger-centric, forest divisions with co-predators are also included.
Phase II – Herbivore & Habitat Assessment (Next 3 days)
- Enumeration of:
- Elephants
- Gaur
- Deer species
- Additional coverage:
- Scavenging birds (e.g., vultures)
- Vegetation: trees, grasses, weeds, shrubs, undergrowth
Technology & Monitoring Tools
- M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection & Ecological Status)
- Camera traps
- GPS-based patrol tracking
- Deployment of:
- Frontline forest staff
- Volunteers
- Private estates with carnivore presence also included
Timeline & Reporting
- Data submission to NTCA: by 31 January 2026
- Final AITE-26 report: expected in 2027
Tiger Population Trend
- Tamil Nadu tiger numbers:
- 2018: 264
- 2022: 306
- Indicates a steady upward trend, raising expectations from AITE-26.
About Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location & Geography
- Located in Bargur Hills, Erode District, Tamil Nadu
- Lies between:
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
- Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
- Forms a crucial tiger corridor identified by NTCA
- Part of the Nilgiris Elephant Reserve
- Represents the Eastern Ghats–Western Ghats confluence at the Nilgiris
Hydrology
- Catchment area of the Palar River
- Drains into the Cauvery River
Fauna
- Indian elephant
- Indian gaur
- Other large herbivores
- Supports landscape-level tiger movement
Significance of AITE-26
- Provides scientific, landscape-level population estimates
- Helps in:
- Conservation planning
- Corridor protection
- Anti-poaching strategy
- Reinforces India’s leadership in global tiger conservation
- Integrates technology-driven wildlife monitoring with traditional field methods