India’s Mega Wildlife Survey
The World’s Largest Wildlife Survey: India is preparing for the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, the world’s largest wildlife survey, aimed at mapping the health of ecosystems through tigers. In the 2022 AITE, India recorded 3,682 tigers, accounting for nearly 75% of the global tiger population. The 2026 survey goes beyond counting tigers — it will assess prey base, vegetation, and the impact of human activity on forests.
Static GK fact: The AITE is conducted every four years under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments.
Phase 1 Ground Observations
The first phase focuses on field tracking and prey assessment. Forest guards walk transects of around 15 km over three days to identify pugmarks, claw marks, scat, and prey remains. Each observation helps determine prey density and habitat quality.
They also record vegetation types — trees, shrubs, and grasses — to understand habitat diversity. The presence of cattle dung and woodcutting signs indicates human interference. These records create the base dataset for identifying core and buffer zones for camera placement in later phases.
Static GK fact: India has 53 tiger reserves spread over 75,000 sq km, forming the backbone of Project Tiger launched in 1973.
Phase 2 Satellite Mapping and Data Integration
Once the ground data is ready, the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun integrates it with satellite imagery. This phase uses remote sensing and GIS tools to assess forest cover, terrain, water availability, and human encroachment.
The analysis identifies critical wildlife corridors and areas of habitat stress. These insights guide camera placement and ensure that high-movement tiger zones are adequately monitored.
Static GK Tip: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provides key satellite data support for ecological mapping in India.
Phase 3 Camera Traps and Identification
The most visible stage of AITE involves installing over 40,000 camera traps across a grid of 4 sq km each. Every grid section has two cameras placed near trails, ridgelines, or waterholes. Cameras operate for about 25 days, capturing images analyzed using AI-powered stripe identification software.
In the 2022 census, Karnataka alone recorded 563 tigers, the highest in India. Cubs below two years are excluded from official counts to maintain accuracy.
Static GK fact: India’s first use of camera traps for tiger counting began in 1990 in Nagarahole National Park, Karnataka.
Importance of the 2026 Census
Beyond numbers, the AITE serves as a policy and conservation tool. It identifies conflict-prone zones, assesses success in protected areas, and helps plan new corridors or reserves. The focus is now extending beyond traditional tiger reserves to forest fringes and plantation belts where human-tiger interactions are increasing.
The AITE 2026 stands as a global benchmark for wildlife monitoring — blending traditional fieldwork, satellite mapping, and AI-based analytics. It symbolizes how science and conservation unite to protect India’s ecological future.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
The World’s Largest Wildlife Survey:
| Topic | Detail |
| All India Tiger Estimation 2026 | Scheduled for 2026 across 20+ states |
| 2022 Tiger Count | 3,682 tigers recorded |
| Share in Global Population | Nearly 75% of world’s wild tigers |
| Leading State | Karnataka with 563 tigers |
| Coverage Area | Over 4,00,000 sq km |
| Personnel Involved | More than 60,000 forest staff |
| Camera Traps Used | Around 40,000 units |
| Key Institutions | NTCA, WII, State Forest Departments |
| Technological Tools | Satellite imagery, AI-based analytics |
| Project Tiger Launch Year | 1973 |
