Pilibhit Tiger Reserve: Difference between revisions

 

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{{Infobox protected area

{{Infobox protected area

| name = Pilibhit tiger reserve

| name = Pilibhit tiger reserve

| alt_name = पीलीभीत व्याघ्र आरक्षित वन

| alt_name = PTR

| iucn_category = IV

| iucn_category = IV

| designated = 09 June 2014

| designated = 09 June 2014

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[[File:Marvelous sighting of tigers in the afternoon safari at Pilibhit tiger reserve.webm|thumb|right|Marvelous sighting of tigers at Pilibhit tiger reserve]]

[[File:Marvelous sighting of tigers in the afternoon safari at Pilibhit tiger reserve.webm|thumb|right|Marvelous sighting of tigers at Pilibhit tiger reserve]]

”’Pilibhit tiger reserve”’ ({{langx|hi|पीलीभीत व्याघ्र आरक्षित वन}}) is the most narrowly forested tiger reserve among all the [[Tiger reserves of India]] with density of 11 tigers per 100 km²{{efn|name=Tiger density| (total recorded tigers in the core area/ area in KM²)*100.}}, which is spread in a horse-shoe like landscapes, located in [[Pilibhit district]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. It was notified as a [[tiger reserve]] in 2014.<ref name=Chanchani2015>{{cite journal |author=Chanchani, P. |year=2015 |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve: conservation opportunities and challenges |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |volume=50 |issue=20 |page=19 |url=https://www.epw.in/journal/2015/20/reports-states-web-exclusives/pilibhit-tiger-reserve.html |access-date=18 August 2023 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818135804/https://www.epw.in/journal/2015/20/reports-states-web-exclusives/pilibhit-tiger-reserve.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It forms part of the [[Terai Arc Landscape]] in the upper [[Gangetic Plain]] along the [[India]]-[[Nepal]] border. According to an estimate of the year 2018, Pilibhit district has over {{convert|730|km2|abbr=on}} forests, constituting roughly 23% of the district’s total area, makes it one of them most green covered district of Uttar Pradesh. The habitat is distinguished by [[Shorea robusta|sal]] forests, tall grasslands and swamp maintained by periodic flooding from rivers. The Sharda Sagar dam extending up to a length of {{cvt|22|km}} is on the boundary of the reserve.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/pilibhit.htm |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve |work=Reserve Guide – Project Tiger Reserves In India |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority |access-date=29 February 2012}}</ref>

”’Pilibhit tiger reserve”’ is the most narrowly forested tiger reserve among all the [[Tiger reserves of India]] with density of 11 tigers per 100 km²{{efn|name=Tiger density| (total recorded tigers in the core area/ area in KM²)*100.}}, which is spread in a horse-shoe like landscapes, located in [[Pilibhit district]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. It was notified as a [[tiger reserve]] in 2014.<ref name=Chanchani2015>{{cite journal |author=Chanchani, P. |year=2015 |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve: conservation opportunities and challenges |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |volume=50 |issue=20 |page=19 |url=https://www.epw.in/journal/2015/20/reports-states-web-exclusives/pilibhit-tiger-reserve.html |access-date=18 August 2023 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818135804/https://www.epw.in/journal/2015/20/reports-states-web-exclusives/pilibhit-tiger-reserve.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It forms part of the [[Terai Arc Landscape]] in the upper [[Gangetic Plain]] along the [[India]]-[[Nepal]] border. According to an estimate of the year 2018, Pilibhit district has over {{convert|730|km2|abbr=on}} forests, constituting roughly 23% of the district’s total area, makes it one of them most green covered district of Uttar Pradesh. The habitat is distinguished by [[Shorea robusta|sal]] forests, tall grasslands and swamp maintained by periodic flooding from rivers. The Sharda Sagar dam extending up to a length of {{cvt|22|km}} is on the boundary of the reserve.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/pilibhit.htm |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve |work=Reserve Guide – Project Tiger Reserves In India |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority |access-date=29 February 2012}}</ref>

At the core area of the reserve roams 127 species of [[mammal]]s including [[Bengal tiger]]s, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, fishing cats, leopard cats, swamp deers, spotted deers, sambars, hog deers, blackbucks, and barking deers. Beyond the mammals, Pilibhit’s skies and treetops are alive with over 556 species of birds including critically endangered Bengal floricans, waterfowls, Also teals, ducks, parakeets, hornbills, and herons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pilibhittigerreserve.in/biodiversity.php|title=Biodiversity|work=pilibhittigerreserve.in/}}</ref> Raptors such as eagles, Falcons, and kestrels. Among others there are 11 species of [[Reptile|reptiles]] and [[Amphibian|amphibians]] including mugger crocodiles, Snakes, lizards.<ref name=ReptileAmphibians>{{cite web |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve – Reptiles and Amphibians |work=National Tiger Conservation Authority|url=https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/briefnote/pilibhit.pdf}}</ref> The rivers in the Pilibhit tiger reserve area are the home of around 79 species of fishes.<ref name=Fishes>{{cite web |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve- Fishes’ species |work=National Tiger Conservation Authority|url=https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/briefnote/pilibhit.pdf}}</ref> As of August 2025, reserve officals confirmed that Pilibhit tiger reserve area hosts more than 79 adult tigers including 14 males, 53 females, 12 tigers of undetermined gender.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/pilibhit-tiger-reserve-introduces-new-method-to-count-tigers-by-gender/articleshow/123317399.cms |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve introduces new method to count tigers by gender |work=Times Of India}}</ref> This count excludes 18 other young cubs who have not reached the age of a year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/three-tigresses-with-nine-cubs-spotted-at-pilibhit-tiger-reserve-sign-of-rise-in-big-cat-count/articleshow/120288498.cms |title=Three tigresses with nine cubs spotted at Pilibhit tiger reserve; sign of rise in big cat count|work=Times Of India}}</ref> The tiger reserve also got the first International award TX2 for doubling the tiger population in a stipulated time.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pilibhit tiger reserve Gets Global Award For Doubling Tiger Population|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pilibhit-tiger-reserve-gets-global-award-tx2-for-doubling-tiger-population-2330242|access-date=29 November 2020|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126171048/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pilibhit-tiger-reserve-gets-global-award-tx2-for-doubling-tiger-population-2330242|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the core area of the reserve roams 127 species of [[mammal]]s including [[Bengal tiger]]s, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, fishing cats, leopard cats, swamp deers, spotted deers, sambars, hog deers, blackbucks, and barking deers. Beyond the mammals, Pilibhit’s skies and treetops are alive with over 556 species of birds including critically endangered Bengal floricans, waterfowls, Also teals, ducks, parakeets, hornbills, and herons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pilibhittigerreserve.in/biodiversity.php|title=Biodiversity|work=pilibhittigerreserve.in/}}</ref> Raptors such as eagles, Falcons, and kestrels. Among others there are 11 species of [[Reptile|reptiles]] and [[Amphibian|amphibians]] including mugger crocodiles, Snakes, lizards.<ref name=ReptileAmphibians>{{cite web |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve – Reptiles and Amphibians |work=National Tiger Conservation Authority|url=https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/briefnote/pilibhit.pdf}}</ref> The rivers in the Pilibhit tiger reserve area are the home of around 79 species of fishes.<ref name=Fishes>{{cite web |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve- Fishes’ species |work=National Tiger Conservation Authority|url=https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/briefnote/pilibhit.pdf}}</ref> As of August 2025, reserve officals confirmed that Pilibhit tiger reserve area hosts more than 79 adult tigers including 14 males, 53 females, 12 tigers of undetermined gender.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/pilibhit-tiger-reserve-introduces-new-method-to-count-tigers-by-gender/articleshow/123317399.cms |title=Pilibhit tiger reserve introduces new method to count tigers by gender |work=Times Of India}}</ref> This count excludes 18 other young cubs who have not reached the age of a year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/three-tigresses-with-nine-cubs-spotted-at-pilibhit-tiger-reserve-sign-of-rise-in-big-cat-count/articleshow/120288498.cms |title=Three tigresses with nine cubs spotted at Pilibhit tiger reserve; sign of rise in big cat count|work=Times Of India}}</ref> The tiger reserve also got the first International award TX2 for doubling the tiger population in a stipulated time.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pilibhit tiger reserve Gets Global Award For Doubling Tiger Population|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pilibhit-tiger-reserve-gets-global-award-tx2-for-doubling-tiger-population-2330242|access-date=29 November 2020|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126171048/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pilibhit-tiger-reserve-gets-global-award-tx2-for-doubling-tiger-population-2330242|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tiger reserve Area in Uttar Pradesh, India

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/transcoded/d/d0/Marvelous_sighting_of_tigers_in_the_afternoon_safari_at_Pilibhit_tiger_reserve.webm/Marvelous_sighting_of_tigers_in_the_afternoon_safari_at_Pilibhit_tiger_reserve.webm.480p.vp9.webm

Pilibhit tiger reserve is the most narrowly forested tiger reserve among all the Tiger reserves of India with density of 11 tigers per 100 km^2[b], which is spread in a horse-shoe like landscapes, located in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. It was notified as a tiger reserve in 2014.^[2] It forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain along the India–Nepal border. According to an estimate of the year 2018, Pilibhit district has over 730 km² (280 sq mi) forests, constituting roughly 23% of the district’s total area, makes it one of them most green covered district of Uttar Pradesh. The habitat is distinguished by sal forests, tall grasslands and swamp maintained by periodic flooding from rivers. The Sharda Sagar dam extending up to a length of 22 km (14 mi) is on the boundary of the reserve.^[3]

At the core area of the reserve roams 127 species of mammals including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, fishing cats, leopard cats, swamp deers, spotted deers, sambars, hog deers, blackbucks, and barking deers. Beyond the mammals, Pilibhit’s skies and treetops are alive with over 556 species of birds including critically endangered Bengal floricans, waterfowls, Also teals, ducks, parakeets, hornbills, and herons.^[4] Raptors such as eagles, Falcons, and kestrels. Among others there are 11 species of reptiles and amphibians including mugger crocodiles, Snakes, lizards.^[5] The rivers in the Pilibhit tiger reserve area are the home of around 79 species of fishes.^[6] As of August 2025, reserve officals confirmed that Pilibhit tiger reserve area hosts more than 79 adult tigers including 14 males, 53 females, 12 tigers of undetermined gender.^[7] This count excludes 18 other young cubs who have not reached the age of a year.^[8] The tiger reserve also got the first International award TX2 for doubling the tiger population in a stipulated time.^[9]

A proposal to create a dedicated home for the endangered cats in Pilibhit forests was sent to the government of India in April 2008. Later, Pilibhit tiger reserve was accepted in September 2008 on the basis of its special type of ecosystem with vast open spaces and sufficient feed for the elegant predators. Then it was declared as the 46th tiger reserve in June 2014. Before this the protected area used to be a timber yielding reserve forest.^[2] In 2020, Pilibhit tiger reserve have bagged the global award TX2, for doubling the number of tigers in a short span of just four years against a target of 10 years. Among other 13 tiger range countries, Pilibhit tiger reserve was the first to receive this prestigious award.^[10]

The Pilibhit tiger reserve located between latitudes from 28°8’0”N to 28° 50’0”N & longitudes 79° 53’02”E to 80° 18’03”E majorly the upper Gangetic Plain biogeographic land that falls under Pilibhit district. River Gomti originates within the boundary of the tiger reserve. Also, reserve’s proximity to River Sharda in the north-east and the River Ghaghara in the south-west as well as riveret Mala Khannot, chuka makes it an ideal place for wildlife.^[11] Pilibhit tiger reserve consists of a core area of 602.79 km² (232.74 sq mi) and a buffer area of 127.45 km² (49.21 sq mi) in its periphery. The core area is restricted for human habitation, but there is some amount of disturbance due to traffic on roads passing through the reserve, people collecting forest resources and livestock grazing.^[12] A wildlife corridor links Pilibhit tiger reserve with Jim Corbett National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa National Park, and Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal.^[13]

The northern boundary is from Pilibhit-Bankati road to Mahof up to Uttarakhand boundary along Indo–Nepal border up to international pillar 17. From Indo-Nepal border pillar 17 to pillar 28.^[14] The eastern boundary is from Indo-Nepal pillar 28 along the boundary of Bifurcation forest block, Barahi forest block and Navadiya forest block of Barahi forest range and up to the boundary of Navadiya forest block, Haripur forest block and Dakka forest block of Haripur range.^[15] The southern boundary is from the reserve forest boundary of Haripur range up to the reserve forest boundary of Barahi range, Mahof range, Mala range and Dioria range.^[16] The western boundary is from the reserve forest boundary of Pasgaon compartment 6 and Ramnagar compartmnet 1 of Dioria range along the reserve forest boundary of Banganj compartment 5, Gada compartment 130, Ghamela compartment 119 of Mala range up to Bankati.^[17]

Pilibhit tiger reserve experiences climatic variations across the year. April-June can be dry and warm, whereas July to September is humid and warm. During December to February, days are cold and dry, but nights are colder and full of dew.^[19]

Pilibhit tiger reserve harbours north indian tropical moist deciduous forests with 2,100 flowering plants and trees including sal, moist Bhabar dhun sal, moist mixed deciduous, alluvial savannah woodland, and Northern tropical dry deciduous forests with dry Shivalik sal, dry bamboo brakes, Shivalik chir pine forests, grasslands and old plantations.^[20] In general, the vegetation consists of sal and mixed forests, interspersed with grasslands and riparian vegetation. There are more than 110 tree and 51 shrub species. The habitat is distinguished by open meadows interspersed with sal and moist mixed deciduous forests.^[20] The grasslands are locally known as ‘Chaur’, which are an outcome of abandoned settlements or past clearings. Owing to their anthropogenic origin, these meadows are gradually getting colonized by gregarious woody species.^[20]

There are several old plantations of the sixties and seventies, which include species like teak, Ailanthus, Terminalia alata (Asna), Eucalyptus, Lagerstroemia parviflora (Asidha), Mitragyna parviflora (Faldu), Holoptelea intgrifolia (Kanju), Pterocarpus marsupium (Vija sal), Kydia calyina (Poola), Adina cordifolia (Haldu), Gmelina arborea (Gahmhar), Lannea coromandelica (Jhigan), Acacia catechu (Khair), Murraya koenigii (Kath neem), Grawia hirsute (Van Tulsi), Malloutus phillipensis (Rohni), Toona ciliate (Toon), grasses like – Cynodon dactylon (Doob), Vetiveria zizanioides (Khaskhas), Phragmites karka (Narkul), and Erianthus munj (Moonj). However, such plantations are largely confined to the buffer area of the reserve. Several invasive weeds like Lantana and Cannabis are prevalent in the habitat. The forest patches are interspersed with grass meadows with several species like Bothriochloa, Vetiveria, Apluda, Dichanthium, Sacchrum, Sclerostachya, Imperata, Digitaria, Cyperus and Themeda.^[21]

At the apex of the food chain is the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the flagship species of the reserve and a key indicator of ecological health. Pilibhit’s well-connected forest corridors facilitate Elephants‘ movement and genetic exchange with neighboring habitats such as Dudhwa and Kishanpur. Supporting this apex predator is a robust prey base including Chital (Axis axis), Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Hog deer (Axis porcinus), and Wild boar (Sus scrofa). Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca), though elusive, are also present and occupy a complementary ecological niche.^[22] The reserve is notable for its populations of Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), a species categorized as vulnerable by the IUCN. These cervids are primarily found in the swampy grasslands of the reserve and play a significant role in the wetland ecosystem. Other significant mammals include the Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Indian jackal (Canis aureus indicus), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), and small carnivores such as jungle cats (Felis chaus) and civets.^[23]

Avifaunal diversity in Pilibhit is exceptionally high, with over 556 recorded bird species, many of which are migratory as well as exotic. Notable among them are the Asian Koel (Eudynamys Scolopaceus), Asian Openbill (Anastomus Oscitans), Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula Eupatria), Banded Bay Cuckoo (Cacomantis Sonneratii), Bank Myna (Acridotheres Ginginianus), Barn Swallow (Hirundo Rustica), Lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), Sarus crane (Antigone antigone), and various species of hornbills, Eagles, and Kingfishers. The presence of wetlands enhances its importance as a bird conservation area.^[24] Reptilian fauna includes the Indian python (Python molurus), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), and several species of freshwater turtles. Amphibians and numerous invertebrates, including a wide variety of butterflies and insects, contribute to the trophic complexity and ecological stability of the reserve.^[25]

In 2006, Pilibhit was home to merely four tigers.^[26] Over the years, conservation efforts, tighter protection, improved prey base, and community vigilance nurtured this fragile population back from the brink. By the time it was officially declared a tiger reserve in 2014, the number had already risen to 24.^[27] Then, between 2014 and 2018, Pilibhit achieved something few reserves could do: it doubled its tiger count in just four years — from 25 to 65.^[28] By 2022, the count reached 71 or more tigers, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority report, excluding very young cubs.^[29] An internal survey, conducted in August 2025, places the population at about 79 adult tigers in the core forest area, including 14 males, 53 females, 12 tigers of undetermined gender.^[30] This count excludes 18 other young cubs who have not reached the age of a year as well as the stray tigers living outside the core area due to overpopulation.^[31]

Some tigers in Pilibhit tiger reserve have earned names, which often appear in news stories, scientific journals or formal wildlife department publications. Often used by tourists, guides and wildlife enthusiasts. Sultan, a male tiger habitats around the Chukka beach area. Another male tiger Shiva often found in and around the deep forest track along the canal. Rocket tiger roams around the Siphon area of the tiger reserve.^[34] Naina tigress stays in the tall grassland along the canal with her cubs.^[35] Sundar, another male tiger, who is described as the most handsome tiger of Pilibhit tiger reserve, hence the name is given. Charger, a male tiger is believed to be most aggressive tiger and often found roaming around Bhimtaal area in Pilibhit tiger reserve.^[37] Raka the male tiger often found in and around Mahof range of Pilibhit tiger reserve.^[38] Bhimtaal tiger roams around Bhimtaal range of Pilibhit tiger reserve.^[39] Barahi tigress stays in and around Barah range of Pilibhit tiger reserve, hence name Barahi was given to her.^[40] Kulhariram Son of Sultan, roams around Chukka beach area of Pilibhit tiger reserve. He has a birthmark of an axe, hence the name was given.^[41] Vardaan another Son of Sultan, also roams around Chukka beach area of Pilibhit tiger reserve.^[42] Rambha is a tigress, known for her bold and regal bearing, often photographed by wildlife enthusiasts.^[43]

Human-tiger conflict involves negative interactions, such as livestock predation and attacks on people, primarily caused by habitat loss and fragmentation, which force tigers into human-dominated areas to find food and territory. Data has been recorded since the reserve area was established.^[44]

TX2 is an international award is supported by Global Tiger Forum, IUCN, UNDP, The Lion’s Share and WWF, and presented to tiger conservation sites that demonstrate remarkable and measurable progress in doubling their tiger population since 2010.^[66] Pilibhit tiger reserve doubled its tiger population from approximately 25 in 2014 to over 65 by 2018. This was achieved against the global TX2 goal of doubling wild tigers by 2022.^[67] Key conservation strategies, including effective anti-poaching, habitat protection, and community involvement, contributed to this success. The award highlighted the Pilibhit tiger reserve as a prime example of effective conservation in action, demonstrating that committed efforts can yield rapid results.^[68] The reserve is one of India’s narrowest tiger reserves and supports a high human population density in a highly cultivated landscape, making the success even more notable.^[69]

The international executive committee (IEC) approved Pilibhit tiger reserve for (CA|TS) (Conservation Assured Tiger Standards) certificate, a globally authorized standard for conservating of tiger population, ensures the successful restoration of the tiger population within a natural habitat. The certificate was given by Union minister for state for environment, forest and climate change Ashwini Kumar Choubey at a function in New Delhi to the Pilibhit tiger reserve authorities. That made Pilibhit tiger reserve to be one of 23 CA|TS accreditation receiptant in India.^[70]

The 6th TOFTigers wildlife tourism awards were organized on 5 December 2023, at Bikaner House, New Delhi to recognise and reward the good work, honour the outstanding contributions to sustainable tourism in the Indian subcontinent. Pilibhit tiger reserve won the kailash sankhala award for transformative sustainable tourism potential and it’s excellence across 14 key areas, including ecotourism, tiger conservation, and community involvement.^[71][72]