Serious concerns have emerged over the fate of 22 tigers that were previously recorded in Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) but have not been detected in recent monitoring exercises. The disappearance has raised fears of possible large-scale poaching, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.

According to reports, wildlife experts and conservationists have questioned the absence of these tigers, particularly as the reserve forms one of India’s largest tiger habitats. While some animals may have dispersed naturally into adjoining forests, the unusually high number of undetected tigers has triggered concerns over their whereabouts.

Forest officials have stated that they are analysing data from camera traps, pugmarks, scat samples and other field evidence to determine whether the tigers have migrated, remain undetected, or have fallen victim to poaching. Officials have maintained that there is currently no conclusive evidence to confirm large-scale poaching.

Conservationists have called for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring and a transparent assessment of tiger numbers in the reserve. They have also stressed the need to strengthen anti-poaching measures and habitat protection to ensure the long-term survival of tigers in the landscape.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of continuous scientific monitoring and robust wildlife protection in India’s tiger reserves, where accurate population assessments are crucial for effective conservation.