:The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has announced that the first phase of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 would begin on January 5, and continue in seven-day cycles across various forest divisions until the end of February.As part of the world’s largest wildlife monitoring exercise, AITE is conducted once every four years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India to assess tigers, co-predators such as leopards, wild dogs and hyaenas, and to estimate mega herbivore prey-base, including gaur, sambar deer, spotted deer, and barking deer.It also includes detailed habitat assessment through sign surveys, line transects, camera trapping exercises and genetic sampling.Tamil Nadu, which is home to five tiger reserves — Kalakad Mundanthurai, Anamalai, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, and Srivilliputhur-Megamalai — will participate in this nationwide effort.Tiger populationThe State’s tiger population has increased from 264 in 2018 to 306 in 2022, as per previous estimates.An official release from the Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra said the exercise would cover all tiger reserves, other tiger habitats, and private estates with significant carnivore presence. Frontline staff, volunteers, and technology such as camera traps and the M-STrIPES monitoring system would be deployed.Those interested in participating could register with the respective tiger reserve offices in advance, the release added.Published - January 02, 2026 12:26 am IST