At 1,706, India's tiger count up 12%

The tiger population in the country has risen to 1,706 in 2010 from 1,411 in 2006, the latest Tiger Census released today said, thanks to sustained conservation efforts.

The tiger population in the country has risen to 1,706 in 2010 from 1,411 in 2006, the latest Tiger Census released on Monday said, thanks to sustained conservation efforts.

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The census, which was the most comprehensive and scientifically conducted exercise so far, used cameras installed at strategic points like water bodies in forests, as also in respective territories of big cats.

Computers were used to analyse and collate the data.

The 2006 Census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in ‘protected areas’ - reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries - in 19 states across the country.

According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.