Pilibhit tiger reserve is the most narrowly-forested reserve among all the Tiger reserves of India with density of 11 tigers per 100 km2,[b] which is spread in horseshoe-like landscapes. The reserve's total area is 730.24 km2, which is 97.6% (712.88 km2) located in Pilibhit district and 2.4% (17.36 km2) in Shahjahanpur district in Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.[5][6] Approximately 23% of Pilibhit district's total geographical area comes under reserve's limits, thereby ranking it among the most forested districts in Uttar Pradesh. It consists of the Terai arc landscape along the India–Nepal border in the upper Gangetic Plain. The habitat is distinguished by tall grasslands, sal forests, and the swamp ecosystem, which is maintained through regular flooding events originating from nearby rivers, riverlets and lakes during the rainy seasons. The Sharda Sagar dam extending up to a length of 22km (14mi) is on the boundary of the reserve.[7]
The core area of the reserve contains 127 species of mammals,[8] 556 birds species,[9][10] 37 species of reptiles and 87 species of amphibians,[11] as well as 79 species of fishes,[12] including herbivorous, carnivorous, and omnivorous type of fauna. As of August 2025, reserve officals confirmed that reserve's core area hosts more than 79 adult tigers.[c][13][14] As per the internal survey conducted by the authorities, the reserve has more than 99,882 animals of 22 different species.[15] The tiger reserve was awarded the inaugural TX2 global award in recognition of its achievement in multiplying the number of tiger within the stipulated time frame.[16]
History
The forests of Pilibhit have historically been recognized for their ecological significance. During the colonial period and earlier, the area served as a favored hunting ground for Indian royalty and British officers. However, by the late 20th century, increasing threats such as human encroachment, poaching underscored and deforestation; the urgent need for conservation measures was felt.[17] During the British colonial period, the forests in the Pilibhit region were subjected to intensive timber extraction, prompting the implementation of scientific forestry practices. The area was formally notified and designated as reserved forest in 1879, with structured forest management initiated in 1893.[18] A proposal to create a dedicated home for the endangered cats in Pilibhit forests was sent to the government of India in April 2008. Later, the proposal was accepted in September 2008 on the basis of its special type of ecosystem with vast open spaces and sufficient feed for the elegant predators. Later in June 2014, the forests of Pilibhit were announced as the 46th reserve area of India. Until then, the forests of Pilibhit were a prime source of timber production.[6] In 2020, the tiger reserve bagged the global recognition TX2, for multiplying the number of tigers in a short span of just four years against a target of 10 years. Among other 13 tiger range countries, Pilibhit tiger reserve was the first to receive this prestigious award.[19]
Geography
The reserve area located between latitudes 28°8′0″ N to 28°50′0″ N and longitudes 79°53′02″ E to 80°18′03″ E, falls predominantly within the upper gangetic plains moist deciduous forest biogeographic zone. The reserve is situated within the administrative boundaries of Pilibhit district in Uttar Pradesh, India. River Gomti originates within the boundary of the tiger reserve. Also, reserve's proximity to River Sharda in the north-east and the River Ghaghara (also called Khakra river locally) in the south-west as well as riverets like Mala Khannot, Katana, Chuka makes it an ideal place for wildlife.[20] The reserve area is made of a buffer area of 127.45km2 (49.21sqmi) and a core area of 602.79km2 (232.74sqmi) in its limits. Though the core area is officially constricted for human settlement, but 15 villages entirely are still within the limits of the core area, disturbing the wildlife due to human traffic on roads, livestock grazing and consumption of the forest resources.[21] Pilibhit tiger reserve as acts as a wildlife corridor between Jim Corbett, Kishanpur, Dudhwa, and Shuklaphanta.[22]
The northern boundary is from Pilibhit-Bankati road to Mahof up to Uttarakhand boundary along Indo-Nepal border up to international pillar 17. From Indo-Nepal border pillar 17 to pillar 28.[23] The eastern boundary is from Indo-Nepal pillar 28 along the boundary of Bifurcation forest block, Barahi forest block and Navadiya forest block of Barahi forest range and up to the boundary of Navadiya forest block, Haripur forest block and Dakka forest block of Haripur range.[24] The southern boundary is from the reserve forest boundary of Haripur range up to the reserve forest boundary of Barahi range, Mahof range, Mala range and Dioria range.[25] The western boundary is from the reserve forest boundary of Pasgaon compartment 6 and Ramnagar compartment 1 of Dioria range along the reserve forest boundary of Banganj compartment 5, Gada compartment 130, Ghamela compartment 119 of Mala range up to Bankati.[26]
Pilibhit tiger reserve experiences climatic variations across the year. April–June can be dry and warm, whereas July to September is humid and warm. During December to March, days are cold and dry, but nights are colder and full of dew.[28]
The Reserve area encompasses tropical moist forests, home to around 2,100 species of flowering flora. The dominant forest types include sal, moist Bhabar dhun sal, moist mixed deciduous, and alluvial savanna woodlands, as well as northern tropical dry deciduous forests featuring dry Shivalik sal, dry bamboo brakes, Shivalik chir pine forests, grasslands, and old plantations.[29] Overall, the primary vegetation composed of sal and mixed forests, interspersed with grasslands and riparian zones.[29] The reserve supports over 110 tree species and 51 species of shrubs.[29] A defining feature of the habitat is the presence of open meadows scattered among sal and moist mixed deciduous forests. These grasslands, locally known as ‘Chaur’, have formed on abandoned human settlements or past clearings. Due to their anthropogenic origin, these meadows are now gradually being overtaken by dense, woody vegetation.[29]
The reserve area is a biologically rich and ecologically significant habitat that supports a diverse assemblage of fauna. The reserve encompasses a mosaic of forests, grasslands, swamp ecosystems, and river systems which together sustain a broad range of mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian and aquatic wildlife species. As per the Internal survey conducted by the reserve authorities, more than 99,882 animals of 22 different species were recorded in the reserve area.[31]
Tigers straying in the agricultural land are often called Sugarcane Tiger
In 2006, forests of Pilibhit were home to merely four tigers.[51] Over the years, conservation efforts, tighter protection, improved prey base, and community vigilance nurtured this fragile population back from the brink. By the time it was officially declared a reserve area in 2014, the number had already risen to 24.[52] Then, between 2014 and 2018, Pilibhit achieved something few reserves could do: it doubled its tiger count in just four years — from 25 to 65.[53] By 2022, the count reached 71 or more tigers, excluding very young cubs.[54] An internal survey, conducted in August 2025, places the population at about 79 adult tigers in the core forest area, including 14 males, 53 females, 12 tigers of undetermined gender.[55] This count excludes 18 other young cubs who have not reached the age of a year as well as the stray tigers living outside the core area, roaming in the agricultural land due to overpopulation and prey scarcity in the core area of the reserve, these tigers are oftan called Sugarcane Tigers.[56] There was 230% increment in tiger population growth since inception of the tiger reserve.[57] The reserve boasts a male-to-female tiger ratio of 1:5, the highest among all tiger reserves in India.[58] This higher proportion of females increases reproductive potential, allowing each male access to multiple mates, thereby contributing to greater offspring numbers. This demographic balance reflects the success of tiger conservation efforts within the reserve.[58]
Famous tigers
Famous tigers from top left to right:
Vardaan- a male tiger cooling off in the Hardoi branch near Bifurcation,
Rocket- an alpha-male tiger, at Pilibhit tiger reserve,
S3- a young male tiger, is consided a major attraction among wildlife enthusiasts and tourists,
Charger- a dominant male tiger, while marking his territory by spraying his urine on the trees,
Veer- a male tiger from Mahof range of Pilibhit tiger reserve,
Naina - walking on the road,
Rambha - a regal tigress and mother of many cubs,
Maya - a female tigress with her months old cubs,
Raka - the male tiger at the Mahof range of reserve,
Rudra - a dominant male tiger of the reserve, fathered a large number of cubs.
Several tigers in the Pilibhit tiger reserve have earned individual names, which are frequently referred in media reports, scientific literature, and official publications by wildlife authorities. These tiger are commonly recognized by tourists, guides, conservationists, wildlife researchers and enthusiasts due to their distinctive physical characteristics, behavioral traits, and notable success in cub raising.
Sultan, a male tiger habitats around the Chukka beach area.[59] Another male tiger Shiva often found in and around the deep forest track along the canal.[60]Rocket tiger roams around the Siphon area of the reserve.[61]Naina tigress stays in the tall grassland along the canal with her cubs.[62]Choti, another tigress is frequently observed in proximity to water bodies and is distinguished by her unique body markings.[63]Sundar, another male tiger, who is described as the most handsome tiger of the reserve, hence the name was given.[64]Charger, a dominant male tiger is believed to be most aggressive tiger and often found roaming around Bhimtaal area.[65]Raka the male tiger often found in and around deep forest in the Mahof range of reserve.[66]Bhimtaal tiger also roams around Bhimtaal range of reserve.[67]Barahi tigress stays in and around Barah range of reserve, hence name Barahi was given to her.[68]Maya, a prominent tigress known for successfully rearing multiple offspring, thereby playing a significant role in the enhancement of the regional tiger population.[69]Kulhariram Son of Sultan, roams around Chukka beach area. He has a birthmark of an axe, hence the name was given.[70]Vardaan another Son of Sultan, also roams around Chukka beach area of the reserve.[71]Rambha is a tigress, known for her bold and regal bearing, often photographed by wildlife enthusiasts.[72]Star is a male tiger, often found roaming around Mahof range area of Pilibhit tiger reserve.[73]Veer is another male tiger, roams around Mahhof range area often found near the gate of the reserve.[74]Rudra, a dominant male tiger of the reserve, noted for his extensive territorial range and documented reproductive success.[75]
Human-tiger conflicts
Human-tiger conflict involves negative interactions, such as livestock predation and attacks on people, primarily caused by habitat loss and fragmentation, which force tigers into human-dominated areas to find food and territory. Data has been recorded since the reserve area was established.[76]
Loss to human
Year
Loss to human lives and livestocks due to tiger attacks[77]
TX2 is an international award is supported by Global Tiger Forum, UNDP, The Lion’s Share, IUCN, and WWF, and presented to tiger conservation sites that demonstrate remarkable and measurable progress in doubling their tiger population since 2010.[98] Pilibhit tiger reserve doubled its tiger population from approximately 25 in 2014 to over 65 by 2018. This was achieved against the global TX2 goal of doubling wild tigers by 2022.[99] Key conservation strategies, including effective anti-poaching, habitat protection, and community involvement, contributed to this success. The award highlighted the Pilibhit tiger reserve as a prime example of effective conservation in action, demonstrating that committed efforts can yield rapid results.[100] The reserve is one of India's narrowest tiger reserves and supports a high human population density in a highly cultivated landscape, making the success even more notable.[101]
CA|TS certificate
The International Executive Committee (IEC) has granted CA|TS (Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards) accreditation to the Pilibhit tiger reserve. CA|TS is an internationally recognized framework that ensures effective conservation and the sustainable recovery of wild tiger populations within their natural habitats. The certification was formally conferred by the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, during an official ceremony held in New Delhi. With this accreditation, Pilibhit tiger reserve joins a select group of 23 CA|TS-certified sites across India, reflecting its adherence to globally accepted standards of tiger conservation.[102]
Kailash sankhala award
The 6th TOFTigers awards for wildlife tourism were organized on 5 December 2023, at Bikaner House, in New Delhi to recognise and reward the good work, honour the outstanding contributions to sustainable tourism in the Indian subcontinent. Pilibhit tiger reserve won the kailash sankhala award for transformative sustainable tourism potential and it's excellence across 14 key areas, including community involvement, ecotourism, and tiger conservation.[103][104]
Global big cat photography competition
A photograph of a big cat from the Pilibhit tiger reserve by Photographer Jitendra Chaware received an award at the Global Big Cat Photography Competition, organized in New Delhi as part of Wildlife Week observances.[105] The competition attracted over 1,400 submissions globally, including more than 70 entries from Uttar Pradesh.[105] The event was jointly organized by the International Big Cat Alliance, Arts Maestro, the Ministry of Environment, the U.P. Eco-Tourism Development Board, and MoEFCC.[106] Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav attended the event and participated in a virtual tour of the Pilibhit tiger reserve through augmented and virtual reality (AR–VR) technology.[106]
On 12 July 1991, a vehicle carrying 25 Sikh pilgrims was stopped by the police at a checkpoint in Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Eleven of the male passengers were detained by police, ten of whom were later shot dead by police on 13 July 1991 in three different locations in the deep forest of Pilibhit tiger reserve in Pilibhit distinct, who alleged they were terrorists. The status of the eleventh detainee, a 15-year-old boy, remains unknown. [107] The independent investigation done by various media agencies as well as political parties did conclude that two of the 10 killed were actually wanted militants - Baljit Singh of Khalistan Liberation Army and Khalistan Commando Force chieftain Jaswant Singh 'Fauji'. [108] In 2016, 47 police officers involved with the killings were sentenced to life in prison; these sentences were overturned by a higher court, who in 2022 sentenced 43 of the officers to seven years in prison and fine. [109]
Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language adventure drama film which is written and directed by Srijit Mukherji[110] and produced by T-Series and Reliance Entertainment Studios. The film stars Pankaj Tripathi, Sayani Gupta and Neeraj Kabi in the lead roles. The film was released theatrically on 24 June 2022.[111][112][113] It marked the final film of playback singer KK, who died a month before the film's release. The film explores a disturbing socio-economic phenomenon observed in villages surrounding the Pilibhit tiger reserve, where extreme poverty compels some families to either abandon their elderly parents or, in certain cases, leads elderly individuals to voluntarily sacrifice themselves, with the hope that their deaths will result in government compensation for their families.[114]
Pilibhit is a 2021 short film written-directed by Ashutosh Chaturvedi and Pankaj Mavchi.[115] The film is based on a bizarre phenomenon. The communities surrounding the Pilibhit tiger reserve in India have experienced persistent Human–wildlife conflict, particularly involving tigers. To address the social and economic consequences of such incidents, the government has implemented a compensation scheme for families of individuals killed in Tiger attacks. However, in conditions of extreme poverty, some families have come to perceive this compensation as a potential means of financial survival. In certain reported cases, elderly family members were deliberately taken to forested areas in the hope that a fatal encounter with a tiger would result in a compensatory payment. Disturbingly, there have also been instances in which elderly individuals voluntarily subjected themselves to such risks, motivated by the belief that their deaths might alleviate their families' economic hardships.[116]
↑ As per official data released at the end of the season, PTR recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall, welcoming 56,289 visitors—an increase from 54,378 in the previous season. Revenue also saw a notable rise, reaching ₹1.60 crore compared to ₹1.36 crore last year. The number of foreign tourists more than doubled, jumping from 189 to 452.
↑ total recorded tigers in the core area / area in sqaure kilometers.
↑ including 14 males, 53 females, and 12 tigers of undetermined gender. This count excludes 18 other tiger including the young cubs who have not reached the age of a year or the tigers straying outside core area roaming in the agricultural land, commonly called Sugarcane Tigers.
Kanjilal, P. C. (1933). "A Forest Flora for Pilibhit, Oudh, Gorakhpur, and Bundelkhand". A Brief Account of Climate and Forest (5ed.). Narendra Pub. House.
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