India is home to some of the world's most renowned tiger reserves, established to protect and conserve its national animal. However, despite the efforts of Project Tiger, some reserves have seen their tiger populations dwindle to the point of near or total extinction. In some cases, tigers have not been sighted for years, raising concerns about whether they still exist in these protected areas. Here’s a look at some tiger reserves in India where the iconic big cat is either critically low in numbers or has completely disappeared.

Palamau Tiger Reserve, JharkhandPalamau Tiger Reserve was one of the first nine reserves established under Project Tiger in 1973. However, over the years, the reserve has struggled to maintain its tiger population. The last census recorded only a handful of tigers, but recent reports suggest their numbers have dwindled significantly, with no confirmed sightings in years. The primary reasons for this decline include poaching, deforestation, and frequent human encroachments.


Dampa Tiger Reserve, MizoramLocated in the northeastern state of Mizoram, Dampa Tiger Reserve spans lush forests and diverse wildlife habitats. However, despite its vast landscape, tigers have not been spotted here in years. Camera traps set up for monitoring wildlife have failed to record any tiger activity, leading experts to believe that the species may have become locally extinct.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve, OdishaSatkosia Tiger Reserve was declared a protected area to safeguard the declining tiger population in Odisha. However, over time, the reserve saw its tiger population vanish, prompting authorities to attempt a relocation project. In 2018, tigers from Madhya Pradesh were relocated to Satkosia in an effort to repopulate the reserve. Unfortunately, the project failed disastrously. One relocated tiger died due to territorial conflicts, while others strayed into human settlements, leading to severe conflicts and eventual removal.

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Buxa Tiger Reserve, West BengalBuxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal was once home to a thriving population of tigers, but today, there are no confirmed sightings of the species. Despite multiple conservation efforts and reports suggesting occasional tiger movement, camera traps have failed to provide concrete evidence of their presence.

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Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Arunachal PradeshKamlang Tiger Reserve, situated in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, was officially declared a tiger reserve in 2016. However, since its designation, no substantial evidence of tigers has emerged. The reserve is covered with dense forests, making it difficult to conduct proper wildlife surveys, but lack of recorded tiger activity raises concerns.