Tigers Under the Full Moon: A Thriving Wildlife at Tadoba-Andhari Reserve

The annual 'Machan Census on Waterholes' at Tadoba-Andhari reserve reported 5,765 wildlife sightings, including 42 tigers, observed on Buddha Purnima. Conducted to assess wildlife presence during summer, the census showed a strong herbivore presence, supporting a balanced ecosystem across core and buffer zones.

The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra witnessed an exciting development on May 1 during its annual 'Machan Census on Waterholes,' reporting 5,765 wildlife sightings. This exercise took place on Buddha Purnima, capitalizing on the full moon's visibility, and aimed to evaluate the wildlife presence amid peak summer conditions.

The census attracted 210 volunteers, recording an impressive sighting of 42 tigers. Herbivores accounted for the majority of the sightings, underscoring a strong prey base. According to Prabhu Nath Shukla, Field Director of Tadoba-Andhari, these figures indicate a healthy prey-predator balance in both core and buffer zones of the reserve.

In addition to tigers, the volunteers observed 13 leopards, 1,700 spotted deer, and hundreds of other animals like sambar deer and Indian gaur. This thriving ecosystem demonstrates biodiversity and the crucial role of conservation efforts, with omnivores and birds also recorded in significant numbers.