940 camera traps were used for the phase III tiger estimation in PTR

The phase III of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) began at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady on Wednesday ( February 25). According to officials, a total of 470 grids has been established across the reserve, with 353 grids falling within the PTR East Division and 117 within the PTR West Division.

According to officials, to ensure comprehensive and intensive sampling, 940 camera traps have been deployed throughout the tiger-bearing areas. Before deployment, all frontline staff and associated personnel underwent structured training on February 10, 2026. The camera-trapping exercise is scheduled for a continuous 30-day period, ending on March 27, 2026. This duration follows national protocols to ensure adequate photographic captures and recaptures of individual tigers, strengthening the reliability of population estimates.

Officials noted that phase I of the estimation was completed earlier. Based on tiger presence recorded during that phase, specific habitats were selected for this intensive monitoring. PTR has been systematically divided into two-square-kilometre grids, each equipped with two camera traps to capture photographs of both flanks of passing tigers. This dual-camera setup is crucial for identifying unique stripe patterns, which allows for precise individual identification.

Officials said that PTR serves as a vital source population for tigers within the Periyar-Agasthyamalai landscape, sharing contiguous habitat connectivity with the Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu.

To maintain data quality, all camera traps are inspected every four days to check battery levels, memory capacity, alignment, and potential damage from wildlife or the environment. Once the sampling period concludes, the photographic data will be compiled and analysed for stripe pattern matching before being submitted to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The progress of phase III is being supervised by the AITE Kerala Nodal Office and field director Pramod P.P. Division-level coordination is being led by Saju P.U. (deputy director, Periyar East), Sandeep S. (deputy director, Periyar West), and Lekshmi R. (assistant field director, PTR).