Telangana invites volunteers for All India Tiger Estimation 2026
HYDERABAD: Telangana Forest Department has invited volunteers to participate in the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, the country’s largest wildlife monitoring exercise. The programme is jointly organised by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
India’s tiger population shows steady rise
According to officials, the 2022 estimation recorded 3,967 tigers across India, up from 2,967 in 2018, 2,226 in 2014 and 1,411 in 2006, showing a consistent positive trend. Telangana too has seen growth in tiger numbers, particularly in Amrabad and Kawal Tiger Reserves, along with an increase in other wildlife species.
Massive national survey
AITE 2026 will cover 8.27 lakh sq km and more than 65,000 forest beats across India. Telangana will contribute data from over 3,000 beats spread across 26,000 sq km, making it one of the most active participating states in the Deccan region.
Citizen participation key to conservation
Officials said citizen involvement had improved data quality in 2022 and will play an even greater role in 2026. Volunteers including students, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts will receive field protocol and M-STrIPES app training. The initiative also aims to raise awareness of wildlife conservation.
Role of Telangana’s forests
Amrabad and Kawal Tiger Reserves, Nallamala forests and UNESCO-recognised wildlife corridors not only provide habitats for tigers, leopards, deer, sloth bears and birds but also play a crucial role in water security and climate stability for millions.
Call for volunteers
Volunteers will work with forest staff for seven days, walking 10–15 km daily to record tiger signs, tracks, scat and habitat conditions.
Eligibility:
Age: 18–60 years
Fitness: Ability to walk 10–12 km daily in forest terrain
Adaptability: Willingness to stay in remote camps with basic facilities
The programme is pro bono; no remuneration will be provided. The Forest Department will arrange accommodation and field transport. “This is not just about counting tigers it’s about counting our commitment to conservation. AITE 2026 gives every citizen a chance to contribute to India’s wildlife heritage,” forest officials said.
Registrations open. For details, visit the official Telangana Forest Department website or contact the department’s helpdesk.
Registration details
“Earn Your Stripes! Ready to make a difference? Register for AITE-2026 Tiger Estimation in Telangana help track wildlife and protect nature!
Registration: November 4–22, 2025
Field adventures: January 17–23, 2026
Join the team, learn new skills, and be part of real conservation action.
Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/aite2026tg.
For details, call 1800-425-5364, 040-23231440, or email aite2026tg@gmail.com
