Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Deploys 1,800 Cameras for First Leopard Census as Rhino Count Reaches 53

For the first time, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh is monitoring leopard movement alongside tigers using 1,800 cameras for the 2026 census, while its one-horned rhino population has increased to 53.

Wildlife conservation efforts in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh have received a major boost as the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve prepares to record leopard movement individually for the first time during the 2026 tiger census. Alongside this technical survey upgrade, official figures confirm that the population of rare one-horned rhinoceroses inside the reserve has climbed to 53. Located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district, the sanctuary is employing advanced digital camera tracking to closely monitor its rich carnivore and herbivore populations across diverse habitats.

1,800 Cameras Deployed for First Dedicated Leopard Digital Census
Historically, wildlife authorities in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve executed camera trap assessments every four years exclusively to determine tiger numbers. For the upcoming 2026 census, experts are expanding the scope by separately analyzing images of leopards captured across the forest landscape. To facilitate this comprehensive exercise, a network of 1,800 cameras has been strategically installed across the Kishanpur Sanctuary, the Buffer Zone, and the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photographic images and digital data gathered from every camera trap location are being transmitted directly to wildlife specialists for processing. Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) based in Dehradun are conducting thorough digital evaluations of the footage. By processing leopard trap photographs independently, researchers aim to compile precise baseline data regarding the species' range, territory overlap, and overall numerical strength within the reserve complex.

Final Findings Scheduled for 2027 Amid Estimated Population of 100 Leopards
Forest officials currently estimate that around 100 leopards inhabit the forested tracts of Dudhwa. However, the exact population figure will only be validated once the camera trap data analysis concludes. Field Director Dr. H. Rajamohan stated that accurate assessment metrics for both tigers and leopards will be available after the final census findings are released in 2027. Experts at WII Dehradun are currently organizing the digitized image registries to complete the national reporting framework.

The upcoming survey builds upon the milestone set during the 2022 national census, when Dudhwa Tiger Reserve registered 153 tigers. That figure placed Dudhwa fourth among all tiger reserves in India. Integrating leopard enumeration into the existing methodology is expected to provide conservationists with a far more complete picture of predator density and inter-species dynamics throughout the sanctuary grounds.

One-Horned Rhinoceros Population Expands to 53 Individuals
In addition to apex big cats, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve continues to serve as a critical habitat for the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The rhino population inside the reserve has now reached 53 individuals. A detailed breakdown of the herd reveals the presence of 17 adult males, 25 adult females, and 11 calves and sub-adults. The steady growth of this herd underscores the long-term success of local rhino reintroduction and protection initiatives.

The defining physical characteristic of the Indian rhinoceros is the single horn situated on its snout, which typically measures between 20 and 60 centimeters in length. The flourishing rhino population highlights the ecological vitality of Dudhwa's protected sanctuary zone and its capacity to sustain large megafauna.

Habitat for Five Deer Species and Annual Ecotourism Season
Beyond big cats and rhinos, Dudhwa National Park is nationally renowned for its extraordinary deer diversity. It remains one of the few protected wilderness areas in India home to five distinct deer species living in the same ecosystem. The reserve's combination of dense canopy forests, sprawling alluvial grasslands, and wet marshlands provides an optimal sanctuary. Visitors to the park frequently observe healthy populations of Barasingha (swamp deer), Sambhar, Cheetal (spotted deer), Hog Deer, and Kakar (barking deer).

To experience this rich biodiversity, tourists from across India and around the globe visit the reserve every year. Dudhwa National Park opens its gates to visitors annually from November through June. During these months, eco-tourists travel to Lakhimpur Kheri to witness the sanctuary's diverse wildlife amidst the scenic natural landscape of the Terai belt.

What this means for you
Across India: Successful conservation of leopards and rhinos at Dudhwa strengthens national ecological balance and enhances biodiversity protection across protected reserves.

In Lakhimpur Kheri and Uttar Pradesh: Increased tourist footfall during the November to June visiting season directly boosts local employment, hospitality, travel, and eco-tourism opportunities.

Questions & Answers

1. What is the current population of rhinos in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve?
The total population of one-horned rhinoceroses in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has reached 53, comprising 17 males, 25 females, and 11 calves or sub-adults.

2. Which wildlife species is being included for the first time in the 2026 tiger census?
Leopards are being included for the first time in the 2026 census to assess their population and movement range separately.

3. How many cameras are installed across the reserve for camera trap monitoring?
A total of 1,800 cameras have been installed across Kishanpur Sanctuary, the Buffer Zone, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. What rank did Dudhwa Tiger Reserve achieve in the 2022 tiger census?
In the 2022 census, Dudhwa recorded 153 tigers, securing the fourth rank among all tiger reserves in India.

5. What are the operating months for tourist visits at Dudhwa National Park?
Dudhwa National Park remains open for domestic and international tourists annually from November through June.

6. Which five deer species inhabit Dudhwa National Park?
The five deer species found in Dudhwa are Barasingha (swamp deer), Sambhar, Cheetal (spotted deer), Hog Deer, and Kakar (barking deer).

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