India is home to nearly 75 percent of the world’s tiger population, and the Central Government has taken several measures to protect the big cats through initiatives such as Project Tiger. However, the situation in the Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), considered the largest tiger reserve in India, has raised serious concerns over wildlife protection and monitoring.
22 Tigers Missing from Camera-Trap Records
According to the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation and unofficial assessments conducted in 2023–24, as many as 22 tigers had been captured by camera traps in the reserve. However, these tigers reportedly failed to appear even once in the latest 2026 camera-trap survey.
This has raised several questions. Have the tigers migrated to other areas? Or could they have fallen victim to poaching? The lack of clear information from forest officials has further intensified concerns about the fate of these animals.
Five Tigers Die Within Four Months
The concerns have grown further following the deaths of five tigers within a span of just four months. In late July, tiger carcasses were reportedly discovered in the Nandikotkur and Markapuram–Racherla forest areas, with three tiger deaths coming to light within a span of just three days.
Allegations have also surfaced that attempts were made in the past to conceal or suppress facts related to tiger deaths. In September 2025, a tigress that reportedly died after getting caught in a trap in the Atmakur division was allegedly cremated in violation of established procedures.
Similarly, there were allegations that a tiger that died from an electric shock in 2021 was portrayed as having died after drowning. Such incidents have added to suspicions surrounding the transparency of investigations into tiger deaths.
Poaching Suspicions Raise Alarm
Reports about the high value attached to tiger claws in illegal markets have also fueled concerns over possible poaching. A tiger has 18 claws, and these are reportedly sought after for making talismans and ornaments and for superstitious practices and status symbols.
There are also concerns about the possible involvement of international wildlife-smuggling networks. While these remain allegations and suspicions, the disappearance of tigers and the recent deaths have increased calls for a thorough investigation into possible illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.
Tiger Population Had Increased Significantly
Government figures indicate that the tiger population in the reserve increased significantly in recent years. The number of tigers, which stood at 48 in 2018, reportedly rose to 58 in 2022 and further increased to 87 by 2024.
However, the recent developments have triggered criticism of the functioning of the Forest Department under the present coalition government, particularly under Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Frequent Changes in Field Directors
Another issue raising concerns is the frequent change of senior officials overseeing the reserve. Four field directors have reportedly been transferred or replaced over the past two years.
Allegations of political pressure influencing administrative decisions have also emerged. Such frequent changes, critics argue, could affect continuity in wildlife management and conservation efforts.
Severe Shortage of Forest Staff
The Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 3,467 square kilometres. According to claims, nearly 750 personnel are required to effectively protect and monitor such a vast forest area.
However, only around 250 personnel are reportedly currently available. The significant shortage of staff has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of surveillance, anti-poaching operations and protection of wildlife across the reserve.
Demand for a Comprehensive Investigation
The disappearance of tigers from camera-trap records, the recent series of tiger deaths, suspicions of illegal hunting, allegations surrounding earlier deaths, frequent changes in senior officials and the shortage of forest personnel have collectively raised serious concerns about wildlife conservation in the Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
There are growing demands for a comprehensive and independent investigation, transparent tiger population estimation and a detailed inquiry into the recent deaths. Environmental and wildlife activists are also calling for strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence, illegal hunting or attempts to suppress facts.
The key question now is whether the missing tigers have simply moved to other habitats or whether a more serious threat is unfolding inside one of India’s most important tiger reserves.
