Published Jul 03, 2025 | 7:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2025 | 7:24 PM
In the Western Ghats alone, home to 1,087 tigers, 66 divisions—including 28 in Kerala—have confirmed tiger presence outside reserves.
Wayanad is set to be included in the first phase of a national scheme aimed at protecting tigers outside designated reserves. A special sanctuary will be established to reduce human-tiger conflict in the region, covering the South Wayanad, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and North Wayanad divisions.
The three-year project will be implemented across 40 forest divisions in seven states, targeting areas where 30% of India’s 3,682 tigers currently live outside reserves. The initiative, with a total budget of ₹88.7 crore for 80 divisions nationwide, includes technical interventions like surveillance cameras, wireless systems, and patrolling (₹20 lakh/division), conflict mitigation resources (₹40 lakh/division), rapid response teams from local youth, and use of AI-driven alerts.
Additional funds are allotted for awareness programs, monitoring, and a dedicated sanctuary for free-roaming tigers.
In the Western Ghats alone, home to 1,087 tigers, 66 divisions—including 28 in Kerala—have confirmed tiger presence outside reserves. According to Dr. Sanjayan of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the project is designed to reduce conflict and safeguard both wildlife and local communities.
