The Contenders

The options provided are:

• Jim Corbett National Park

• Kaziranga National Park

• Keoladeo Ghana National Park

• Manas National Park

Tiger Density: What Does It Mean?

Tiger density refers to the number of tigers per 100 square kilometers of protected area. A higher density indicates a thriving population, healthy habitat, and effective conservation management.

The Record Holder: Kaziranga vs. Jim Corbett

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga, located in Assam, is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, but it is also a celebrated tiger reserve. According to a joint study by Aaranyak and the Assam Forest Department, Kaziranga recorded an astonishing density of 32.64 tigers per 100 sq km, the highest ever documented in any protected area globally. This figure was achieved using the camera-trap method and has been confirmed by multiple sources, including wildlife officials and scientific studies56.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is India’s oldest national park and has the highest overall tiger population among Indian parks. Some recent reports and tourism sources claim it has the highest tiger density in the world, especially with a population of over 250 tigers17. However, scientific studies and official density statistics consistently cite Kaziranga as holding the record for the highest density, not just the highest total number of tigers.

Other Options

• Keoladeo Ghana National Park is primarily a bird sanctuary and not known for tigers.

• Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with tigers but does not have the highest density.

Conclusion: The Correct Answer

Kaziranga National Park in Assam holds the record for the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world, with over 32 tigers per 100 sq km as per scientific studies and official reports56.

Correct answer:
(2) Kaziranga