Ranthambore's Tiger Population Reaches 77

Ranthambore's tiger population has reached 77 individuals — 23 tigresses, 25 adult males, and 29 cubs — according to the reserve's latest monitoring data. This represents one of India's most successful in-situ tiger recoveries.

From crisis to recovery

In the 1980s, Ranthambore's tiger count fell to around 20. Intensive protection, prey restoration, and community engagement reversed the decline. Today the park is a source population — tigers from Ranthambore have been translocated to Sariska, Mukundra Hills, and Ramgarh Vishdhari reserves.

The Machli legacy

Machli (T-16), the "Lady of the Lake," was the world's most photographed tigress. Her lineage continues through Krishna (T-19) → Arrowhead (T-84) → Riddhi (T-124) and Siddhi (T-125). Riddhi's recent third litter in the Nal Ghati / Padam Talao landscape confirms the dynasty's ongoing breeding success.

Challenges

Record tourism (727,268 visitors Jan–May 2025) brings revenue but also pressure. Territorial conflicts increase as tiger density rises. The forest department manages this through zone rotation, vehicle caps, and selective translocation when human-wildlife conflict occurs.

How visitors contribute

Safari permit fees fund patrol teams, camera-trap monitoring, fire management, and village livelihood programmes around Sawai Madhopur.