# New initiative targets tigers living outside India’s reserves

2026-08-07T19:08:55+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) initiative to manage the growing number of tigers living beyond protected areas. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, 35-40% of India's tiger population now resides outside designated Tiger Reserves. The Hindu reports that 40 forest divisions across nine states have been selected for the first phase, including Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Assam. The TOTR aims to shift from reactive crisis management to proactive, science-driven governance. It focuses on two pillars: reducing human-tiger conflict through rapid response teams and improved rescue infrastructure, and fostering long-term coexistence by engaging local communities with awareness programmes and timely compensation. India's tiger population has risen from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022, with the country now home to over 70% of the world's wild tigers.

## Coverage

- india.mongabay.com <https://india.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/the-wild-cat-with-a-unique-stripe-pattern/>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/co-existing-with-tigers-outside-reserves/article71278463.ece>

Tags: central India, conservation, habitat loss, NTCA, tigers, wildlife protection
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