India, home to over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, continues to lead in tiger conservation. As of 2025, the country boasts 58 Tiger Reserves, with Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh being the newest addition. These protected areas are part of Project Tiger, launched in 1973, to ensure the survival of Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat.

This article provides a detailed overview of the List of Tiger Reserves in India 2025, including the first, largest, smallest, and top 10 tiger reserves, along with state-wise distribution, conservation schemes, and FAQs.

What are Tiger Reserves?

Tiger Reserves in India are protected areas established under Project Tiger to ensure the survival and maintenance of the Bengal tiger population. These are governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Tiger Reserves in India 2025 

By 2025, India has a large number of tiger reserves. These are special forest areas made to protect tigers and help them live safely in the wild. The government has worked hard to add more tiger reserves in different parts of the country. Recently, new tiger reserves have been started in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. These places were chosen carefully because they have different types of forests and climates – from cool hills to hot tropical jungles. 

The government and wildlife experts are working together to make sure these areas stay safe for tigers and other animals. Their goal is to give tigers a healthy place to live and grow in number.

Also Read: Ramsar sites in India 

Tiger Reserves in India List 2025

As of 2025, India has 58 officially declared Tiger Reserves, covering a combined area of over 75,000 sq km. These reserves are protected under Project Tiger, launched in 1973 to conserve the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat. The latest additions to the list include:

• Ratapani Tiger Reserve (2024) in Madhya Pradesh
• Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (2024) in Chhattisgarh
• Madhav Tiger Reserve (2025) in Madhya Pradesh — officially declared the 58th Tiger Reserve.

These reserves are managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and spread across various ecological zones such as the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, the Gangetic Plains, and the Deccan Plateau.

State-Wise Tiger Reserves in India 2025

As of 2025, India has a total of 58 Tiger Reserves spanning 18 states, all established under the ambitious Project Tiger initiative launched in 1973. These reserves are designated to ensure the long-term conservation of the endangered Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and to safeguard biodiversity in key ecosystems across India. The latest addition, Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, was declared in 2025, making it the 58th Tiger Reserve in the country.

Newest Tiger Reserve in India is Madhav National Park

On March 10, 2025, Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh was declared India’s 58th tiger reserve. Once a royal hunting ground for Mughal emperors and Gwalior Maharajas, the park now plays a vital role in tiger conservation. This new status enhances protection efforts and boosts eco-tourism in the region, reflecting India’s strong commitment to preserving its wildlife heritage. 

First Tiger Reserve in India was Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve

Established in 1973 in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve was the first to be designated under Project Tiger. Originally founded as Hailey National Park in 1936, it is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve today. At the launch of Project Tiger, nine reserves covering 9,115 sq km were protected, including Jim Corbett. By the late 1980s, the number of tiger reserves increased to 15. Jim Corbett remains a vital sanctuary, home to over 250 tigers and diverse wildlife, making it a cornerstone of India’s tiger conservation efforts.

Largest Tiger Reserve in India is Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest in India, covering an area of 3,728 sq km. Spanning five districts—Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda, and Mahabub Nagar—it features dense forests, grasslands, and hills. The reserve holds the largest area of Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH), making it crucial for tiger conservation. It supports a rich variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants, and is a key site for wildlife tourism and preservation.

Smallest Tiger Reserve in India is Bor Tiger Reserve

Located in Maharashtra, the Bor Tiger Reserve is the smallest tiger reserve in India, covering around 138 sq km. Despite its size, it is ecologically significant and supports a growing population of tigers along with leopards, sloth bears, and diverse bird species. Bor plays a crucial role in tiger conservation and attracts nature lovers with its dense forests and rich biodiversity. 

Important Tiger Conservation Schemes in India

India is home to more than 70% of the global wild tiger population, making tiger conservation a national priority. Over the years, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to protect this majestic species and its natural habitat. These schemes focus not only on conserving tigers but also on ecosystem restoration, community participation, relocation, and modern surveillance.

• Project Tiger (1973)
  • Launched by the Government of India to conserve the Bengal tiger and its habitat.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
  • Statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, overseeing Project Tiger.
• M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status)
  • Technology-based monitoring tool for better patrolling and surveillance.
• CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority)
  • Supports habitat development and relocation of villages from core zones.
• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat (IDWH)

Supports conservation of wildlife outside tiger reserves as well.

Conclusion

With 58 Tiger Reserves in India 2025, India continues to lead global efforts in tiger conservation. These reserves are not only vital for saving the tiger but also for preserving the ecological balance of the regions they cover. From Corbett to Madhav, each reserve plays a unique role in India’s wildlife heritage.

For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, or State PCS exams, understanding the List of Tiger Reserves in India 2025, their locations, and related conservation schemes is highly relevant.

Tiger Reserves in India 2025 FAQs

What is a Tiger Reserves in India?

A Tiger Reserves in India is a specially designated protected area in India aimed at conserving the Bengal tiger and its habitat. These reserves are governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as part of Project Tiger, launched in 1973. 

How many Tiger Reserves are there in India in 2025?

As of 2025, there are 58 Tiger Reserves in India. The Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, declared in March 2025, is the newest addition to the list.

Which is the largest and smallest Tiger Reserves in India?

• The largest Tiger Reserve is Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, covering around 3,728 sq km.

• The smallest Tiger Reserve is Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, with an area of approximately 138 sq km.

Which was the first Tiger Reserves in India?

The first Tiger Reserve in India is the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, established in 1973. Originally called Hailey National Park, it became part of Project Tiger at its inception.

Which states in India have the highest number of Tiger Reserves?

As of 2025, Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tiger reserves in India, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna, Sanjay-Dubri, Veerangana Durgavati, Ratapani, and the newly added Madhav Tiger Reserve, making it a key state for tiger conservation.