Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (pronounced [piːliːbʱiːt̪ ˈtaɪɡə rɪˈzɜːvː]), is among the narrowest yet most canopy-rich tiger reserves, spread across a horseshoe-shaped landscape.^[7] It covers a total area of 730.24 km², of which 97.6% (712.88 km²) lies in Pilibhit district and 2.4% (17.36 km²) in Shahjahanpur district, both located in the Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.^[8][9] Approximately 21% of Pilibhit district's total geographical area comes under reserve's limits, thereby positioning it in the category of Uttar Pradesh's most forest-rich districts. It consists of the Himalayan lowlands terrain along the Indo–Nepal border in the upper northern plains. 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 elongating up to a length of 22 km (14 mi) is on the edge of the reserve.^[10]

The core area of the reserve contains 35 species of mammals,^[11] 556 avians species,^[12][13] 79 species of piscines,^[14] as well as several species of reptiles and amphibians,^[15] including herbivorous, carnivorous, and omnivorous fauna. In 2020, 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] As per an internal survey conducted by the authorities in 2022, the reserve has more than 99,882 animals of 22 species of different class.^[17] In August 2025, the reserve's officials confirmed that the core area hosts more than 79 adult tigers.^[c][18][19] The reserve is known to have an estimated tiger density of 10.8 per 100 km² area.^[d]

At the end of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the exiled monarch of Avadh, Begum Hazrat Mahal, was voluntarily given refuge by the freedom fighter Maulana Enayatullah Khan in settlements located in and around the forests of Pilibhit. The British forces were unable to track her through the dense forests, and she eventually managed to escape to Nepal in late 1859, where she lived until her death.^[21][22] This failure prompted the British Raj to assert control over the region. In 1861, the forests were brought under government control, marking the beginning of formal forest administration.^[23] Later, the fire protection laws were introduced in 1866 to prevent wildlife degradation,^[24] and by 1879, the area was acknowledged as a Reserved Forest,^[25] ensuring legal protection and regulated use of its resources. The first comprehensive forest assessment, the Imperial Forest Survey, was conducted in 1892,^[26] providing vital baseline data for future planning. First working plan for sustainable management followed in 1907,^[27] and in 1923, systematic silvicultural practices were introduced under the supervision of W.T. Hall—signifying the onset of scientific forest management.^[28]

During the British colonial era, the Pilibhit forests were also known as hunting grounds for Indian royalty and British officers,^[27] while simultaneously serving as a source of timber extraction.^[27][9] Over time, conservation priorities began to replace commercial use, as increasing human encroachment, poaching, and deforestation in the late 20th century highlighted the need for stronger ecological protection. As the forests of Pilibhit have long been recognised for their ecological importance. ^[29] Recognition of the region’s exceptional wildlife value came in 2004.^[27] In April 2008, a proposal was submitted to the Indian government to establish a dedicated tiger habitat, which was approved in principle later that year.^[30] The area was officially declared the Pilibhit Wildlife Sanctuary on 28 February 2014 and,^[27] shortly thereafter, on 9 June 2014, notified (No. 1783/14-4-2014) as the Pilibhit reserve forest as the 46th reserve area of India,^[27] incorporating parts of the Shahjahanpur forest division. This marked a major milestone in tiger conservation within the Terai ecosystem. In 2020, the reserve earned global acclaim by receiving the TX2 Award for multiplying the count of tigers in a short span of just four years against a target of 10 years—becoming the first tiger reserve in India to achieve this distinction.^[31] The Terai elephant reserve was officially notified on 29 December 2022 (No. 823/81-4-2022) under the Project Elephant by Indian Government. It encompasses Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and Pilibhit reserve area within its limits.^[32]

The reserve, situated between latitudes 28°50'7.40"N to 28°8'43.90"N and longitudes 79°52'57.18"E to 80°18'10.82"E,^[33] lies predominantly within the upper northern plains having moist deciduous forest biogeographic zone and falls mainly under the administrative jurisdiction of Pilibhit district, in Bareilly division, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The reserve area is made of a buffer area of 127.45 km² (49.21 sq mi) and a core area of 602.79 km² (232.74 sq mi) in its limits.^[34] 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.^[35] The tiger reserve acts as a wildlife corridor between Jim Corbett, Kishanpur, Dudhwa, and Shuklaphanta.^[36]

The eastern boundary is from Indo-Nepal international border 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.^[37] The easternmost point of the tiger reserve area is situated near Dhanara ghat (28°34′19.0236″N 80°17′29.8932″E / 28.571951000°N 80.291637000°E / 28.571951000; 80.291637000).^[38] The western boundary is from the reserve forest boundary of Pasgaon compartment 6 and Ramnagar compartment 1 of Deoria range along the reserve forest boundary of Banganj compartment 5, Gada compartment 130, Ghamela compartment 119 of Mala range up to Bankati.^[39] The westernmost point of the tiger reserve area lies near Bankat Forest Chowki (28°40′10.6788″N 79°53′15.6696″E / 28.669633000°N 79.887686000°E / 28.669633000; 79.887686000).^[38] The northern boundary is from Pilibhit-Bankati road to Mahof up to Uttarakhand boundary along Indo-Nepal international border up to pillar 17^[38] and then from pillar 17 to pillar 28.^[40] The northernmost point of the tiger reserve area is situated near Manpur tilher, next to Uttarakhand boundary (28°46′56.3016″N 80°03′34.0776″E / 28.782306000°N 80.059466000°E / 28.782306000; 80.059466000).^[38] 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.^[41] The southernmost point of the tiger reserve area lies near Sitalpur Marauri (28°18′6.9984″N 79°57′54.846″E / 28.301944000°N 79.96523500°E / 28.301944000; 79.96523500).^[38]

Climatic conditions in the reserve area are characterized by distinct winter, summer, and monsoon phases, each exerting significant influence on vegetation patterns and wildlife activities. The month of January represents the coldest period, with mean maximum and minimum temperatures around 22 °C (72 °F) and 4 °C (39 °F), respectively. Dew deposition during winter is substantial, maintaining high surface moisture on vegetation until midday. Frost formation is commonly observed across grassland habitats (phantas) from late November till early March. The pre-monsoon summer season, extending through April and mid-July, records the highest temperature range, with maximum values fluctuating between 35 °C (95 °F) and 49 °C (120 °F). Elevated daytime temperatures are typically accompanied by hot Westerlies winds (locally termed as Pachua or loo), while nocturnal temperatures remain comparatively moderate until early May. ^[45]

The southwest monsoon generally sets in by mid-July and persists until mid-October, contributing approximately 90% of the total annual precipitation. During July and August, mean diurnal and nocturnal temperatures are observed at approximately 34 °C (93 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F), respectively. Prevailing westerlies winds generally dominate for most of the year, but extremely intensifying during summer. Hot, desiccating loo winds are characteristic from mid-April to late May, followed by Easterlies winds (locally termed as Purvai or Purva) from December-January, whereas Northerlies winds occur during monsoon-end, helps to hold the monsoon crossing the Himalayan range and also bring wintery chills from the Himalayan range.^[46][47] Except the rainy season (July 1–October 31), the tiger reserve stay opened for wildlife tourism throughout the year.^[48]

Out of the total forest cover of 730.24 km² (281.95 sq mi) within the reserve, approximately 416.07 km² (160.65 sq mi) is classified as very dense forest (VDF) based on canopy density.^[50] An estimated 78.9 km² (30.5 sq mi) falls under the category of moderately dense forest (MDF), while 70.23 km² (27.12 sq mi) is designated as open forest (OF).^[51] The forest types found within the core area of the reserve include tropical moist deciduous forests (TMDF), covering approximately 469.24 km² (181.17 sq mi); tropical dry deciduous forests (TDDF), spanning approximately 89.78 km² (34.66 sq mi); littoral swamp forests, occupying approximately 0.01 km² (0.0039 sq mi); and areas of old plantation, extending over approximately 10.4 km² (4.0 sq mi).^[52] The other forest types include moist terai-bhabar dhun sal, moist mixed deciduous forests, and alluvial savanna woodlands, dry bamboo brakes, shivalik chir pine forests, and grasslands.^[53] Overall, the primary vegetation composed of sal and mixed forests, interspersed with grasslands and riparian zones.^[53] The grasslands form one of the most striking features, covering nearly 8% of reserve's total area. These open landscapes are broadly divided into two main types-the upland phantas and the low-lying phantas.^[54] The largest stretches of grasslands lie along the southern edge of the reserve, following the courses of the rivers like Mala and Sharda. In heavily wooded zones, grasslands are often linked with swamps, while in open grassy expanses, small clusters of trees known locally as bojhis offer shade and refuge to wild animals seeking rest or protection.^[55]

The reserve encompasses a network of rivers, canals, and perennial water bodies that play an essential role in sustaining its diverse wildlife and ecological processes. The Sharda canal serves as the principal hydrological feature and lifeline of the reserve, interconnected with several distributaries, including the Kheri branch canal, the Hardoi branch canal, and the feeder of the Sharda sagar dam.^[56] The Sharda River, flowing predominantly along the boundary of the northern part of the reserve, significantly contributes to maintaining the region’s hydrological stability and ecological integrity. Another major river, Gomti River begins its journey from Gomat taal, near Madhotanda within the boundary of the tiger reserve. ^[57] Also, reserve's proximity to the Ghaghara river (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.^[58] The reserve comprises 45 wetland areas, accounting for approximately 5.9% (44.98 km²) of its total area. Of these, 25 are natural inland wetlands approximately 40.16 km² (15.51 sq mi) area, while 8 are classified as man-made inland wetlands covering approximately 4.69 km² (1.81 sq mi) area, while remaining 12 wetlands have area lesser than 0.02 km² (0.0077 sq mi) each, covering total area of approximately 0.12 km² (0.046 sq mi).^[59] The major perennial wetlands in the reserve area are Jhand, Lagga–Baggha, Sambhar, Jahabber, Sutiya, Tilania Jor, Bhimtaal, Lidshya Naala, and Narahi Naala.^[60]

The reserve harbors approximately 2,100 types of species of angiosperms.^[53] A survey conducted in 2025 concluded that the reserve also hosts over 58 herbs species, 21 shrubs species, 8 undershrubs species, 5 climbers species, 21 trees species, 4 sedges species, and 6 grass species.^[61] 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.^[53]

As per edapho-phytologists, terrestrial flora that is found in the forests of Pilibhit include species like sal (Shorea robusta), arjun (Terminalia arjuna),^[62] teak (Tectona grandis), maharuk (Ailanthus excelsa), khair (Senegalia catechu), shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), asna (Terminalia alata), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis), asidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), kuthber (Aloidendron dichotomum), bel (Aegle marmelos), kharpat (Garuga pinnata), faldu (Mitragyna parvifolia), bakayan (Melia azedarach), kanju (Holoptelea integrifolia), vija sal (Pterocarpus marsupium), poola (Kydia calycina), haldu (Adina cordifolia), harad (Terminalia chebula), gahmhar (Gmelina arborea), jhigan (Lannea coromandelica), dhak (Butea monosperma), kath neem (Murraya koenigii), baheda (Terminalia bellirica), bakli (Mimusops elengi), semal (Bombax ceiba), brahmi (Centella asiatica),^[63] tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), neem (Azadirachta indica), amaltas (Cassia fistula), kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba),^[64] Jamun (Syzygium cumini),^[65] aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), and underbushs like van tulsi (Grewia hirsuta), rohni (Mallotus philippensis), ghorbach (Acorus calamus),^[66] toon (Toona ciliata), doob (Cynodon dactylon), khaskhas (Chrysopogon zizanioides), and narkul (Phragmites karka). However, such plantations are largely confined to the reserve's buffer area.^[67][68] Several invasive weeds like cannabis and lantana (Lantana camara) are prevalent in the habitat.^[69] Grass meadows containing several weeds species like sidhur (Bothriochloa compressa), bharahmasi (Ischaemum rugosum), marwal (Dichanthium aristatum), kans (Saccharum spontaneum), durbha (Tripidium bengalense), nagarmotha (Cyperus jeminicus), and swollen fingergrass (Chloris barbata) are scattered among the forest patches.^[70]

Limnologists have observed a lot of hydrophytes in the low lying swampy areas of the reserve area and in marshy areas near swamps, water-ponds, and rivers. The common species are Free floating hydrophytes such as golden bladderwort (Urticularia flexuosa), and tiny duckweed (Lemna perpusilla),^[71] Suspended submerged hydrophytes such as crinkled aponogeton (Aponogeton crispus), and sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatis),^[71] Anchored submerged hydrophytes such as duck lettuce (Otellia alismoides),^[71] Anchored hydrophytes with floating leaves such as Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), and crested floating-heart (Nymphoidae cristata),^[71] Anchored hydrophytes with floating shoots such as oval-leafed pondweed (Monochoria vaginalis), and Guyanese arrowhead (Sagittaria guayanensis),^[71] Amphibious hydrophytes such as jungle rice (Echinochloa colonum),^[71] Wetland hydrophytes such as sissoo spinach (Alternanthera sessilis), and creeping spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris).^[71]

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. An official survey conducted by the reserve authorities in 2022, more than 99,882 animals belonging to 22 different species were documented within the reserve area.^[72]

The reserve's core area harbours 35 species of terrestrial mammals^[73] including Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis),^[74] leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis),^[75] blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis),^[76] barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), chital (Axis axis), hog deer (Axis porcinus), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), golden jackal (Canis aureus), Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), and striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).^[77]

Numerous species of small mammals were also recorded by the theriologists in the reserve area including smooth-coated otter (Lutra perspicillata), common otter (Lutra lutra), Indian porcupine (Hystrix indicus),^[78] small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), honey badger (Mellivora capensis), short nosed fruit bat (Pteropus marginatus), Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius), northern yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius), painted bat (Kerivoula picta), lesser short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotis), lesser large-footed bat (Myotis hasseltii), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), northern plains gray langur (Semnopithecus entellus),^[79] tarai gray langur (Semnopithecus hector), langur (Simia entellus),^[80] Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis), hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus),^[81] masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis), five striped palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti),^[82] lesser short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotis), greater Asiatic yellow bat (Scotophilus heathii), and Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius).^[83] A rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) was documented in the Mala range of the reserve.^[84]

A large variety of reptile species have been recorded in reserve area including monitor lizard (Genus varanus),^[85] Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis),^[86] common dotted garden skink (Riopa punctata), yellow monitor (Varanus flavescens),^[87] common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), Indian cobra (Naja naja), monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia), Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), checkered keelback (Fowlea piscator), Indian wolf snake (Lycodon aulicus), brahminy blindsnake (Indotyphlops braminus), buff striped keelback (Amphiesma stolatum),^[88] Indian python (Python molurus), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus).^[89] Recently, a snake called coral red kukri snake (Oligodon kheriensis), that went extinct in 1939, was rediscovered in Mahof belt of the forest.^[90]

A team of testudinologists have recorded 13 species of turtle^[91] brahminy river turtle (Hardella thurjii)^[92] tricarinate hill turtle (Melanochelys tricarinata),^[92] Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata),^[92] Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica),^[92] Indian black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga),^[92] Indian gamp turtle (Pangshura tentoria),^[92] Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta),^[92] Indian eyed turtle (Morenia petersi),^[92] giant Asian pond turtle (Heosemys grandis), as well as numerous species of amphibians including mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris),^[93] freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni),^[94] dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus).^[94]

The reserve hosts more than 556 birds' species^[95][96] including 476 resident (native) birds' species to the Himalayan lowlands terrain, as well as 80 migratory (non-native) birds' species.^[97] Some of the commonly spotted birds include rock pigeon (Columba livia), rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus), Asian openbill (Anastomus oscitans),^[98] alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria), banded bay cuckoo (Cacomantis sonneratii), bank myna (Acridotheres ginginianus), barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus),^[99] baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus), blue-bearded bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni), bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), brahminy starling (Sturnia pagodarum), bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus), chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti), chestnut-tailed starling (Sturnia malabarica),^[100] common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), common hawk cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius), long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus), white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis), griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis), cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus),^[101] Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto), Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), house crow (Corvus splendens), jungle babbler (Argya striata), jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus), jungle owlet (Glaucidium radiatum), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), shikra (Tachyspiza badia),^[102] Hume's leaf warbler (Phylloscopus humei), Indian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Indian pied myna (Gracupica contra), Indian pitta (Pitta brachyura), black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii),^[103] Indian robin (Copsychus fulicatus), Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), Indian scops owl (Otus bakkamoena), oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Indian silverbill (Euodice malabarica), Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), Indian white-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis), Indian cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus), Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo), Indian grassbird (Graminicola bengalensis), Indian gray hornbill (Ocyceros birostris),^[104] Indian nuthatch (Sitta castanea), red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer),^[105] red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus), red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), brown-headed barbet (Psilopogon zeylanicus), lesser coucal (Centropus bengalensis), lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica),^[106] Indian cheel (Spilornis cheela), lesser yellownape (Picus chlorolophus), paddyfield pipit (Anthus rufulus), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), pale-billed flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos), Pallas's gull (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus), red avadavat (Amandava amandava), red collared dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica), Indian spotted eagle (Clanga hastata), lesser spotted eagle (Clanga pomarina), changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus),^[107] red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), red spurfowl (Galloperdix spadicea), red-breasted flycatcher (Ficedula parva), red-crested pochard (Netta rufina),^[108] and Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis).^[109]

Lepidopterists have spotted colour sergeant (Athyma nefte) for the very much first time in the forests of Pilibhit.^[110] A large number of butterflies species can be spotted at reserve^[111] including common pierrot (Castalius rosimon), rice swift (Borbo cinnara), common fourring (Ypthima huebneri),^[112] tree flitter (Hyarotis adrastus), water snow flat (Tagiades litigiosa), tricolour pied flat (Coladenia indrani), common palm dart (Telicota colon), common banded awl (Hasora chromus), narrow-winged awl (Badamia exclamationis), giant redeye (Gangara thyrsis), common redeye (Matapa aria), light pygmy skipper (Gegenes nostrodamus), common straight swift (Parnara guttata), large branded swift (Pelopidas subochracea), common dartlet (Oriens gola),^[113] along with tailed jay (Graphium agamemnon), spot swordtail (Graphium nomius),^[114] common evening brown (Melanitis leda), blue pansy (Junonia orithya), common map (Cyrestis thyodamas), yamfly (Loxura atymnus), eastern dusk-flat (Chaetocneme beata), papilio polytes (Common mormon),^[115] common emigrant (Catopsilia pomona), common grass yellow (Eurema hecabe), and stripped tiger (Danaus genutia)^[116]

A team of Ichthyologists have recorded roughly 79 species of fishes,^[117] including herbivorous, carnivorous, and omnivorous in various geographical conditions around the rivers like Sharda, Gomti and Ghaghara, streams such as Mala Khannot, Katana, and Chuka, various lakes such as Phulhar Lake as well as reservoir like Sharda sagar dam.^[118] The main species that are found in the Sharda sagar dam including Indian river shad (Gudusia chapra), bronze featherback (Notopterus notopterus), knifefish (Chitala chitala), securicula (Securicula gora),^[119] large razorbelly minnow (Salmophasia bacaila), Bengal danio (Devario devario), black-line rasbora (Rasbora daniconius), gila khani (Osteobrama cotio), chaguni (Chagunius chagunio), olive barb (Puntius sarana), pool barb (Puntius sophore), ticto barb (Puntius ticto), catla (Catla catla), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), reba carp (Cirrhinus reba), sucker head (Garra gotyla), rohu (Labeo rohita),^[119] bata fish (Labeo bata), kuria labeo (Labeo gonius), himalayan mahseer (Tor putitora), common carp (Cyprinus carpio),^[119] pabdah catfish (Ompok pabda), long-whiskered catfish (Sperata aor), giant river-catfish (Sperata seenghala), vacha (Eutropiichthys vacha), silond catfish (Silonia silondia),^[119] pangas catfish (Pangasius pangasius), mangur (Clarias magur), freshwater garfish (Xenentodon cancila), dwarf snakehead (Channa gachua), bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius), gangetic leaffish (Nandus nandus), kholshe (Trichogaster fasciata), and tank goby (Glossogobius giuris).^[119]

The firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus), a brightly colored red and black true bug commonly found in Europe and parts of Asia, was recently observed at Pilibhit reserve area. This sighting is noteworthy as it highlights the adaptability and possible range expansion of the species within the diverse ecosystems of the Terai region. A team of entomologists recorded an eight-legged dragonfly, red-winged dragonfly (Neurothemis terminata) for the very first time in the reserve area.^[120]

In 2006, forests of Pilibhit were home to merely four tigers.^[134] Over the years, conservation efforts, tighter wildlife 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.^[135] 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.^[136] By 2022, the count reached 71 or more tigers, excluding very young cubs.^[137] An internal survey, conducted in August 2025 in collaboration between the reserve's authority and the WWF biologists; places the population at about 79 adult tigers in core zone of forest area, including 14 males, 53 females, 12 tigers of undetermined gender.^[138] This figure excludes an additional 18 tigers, comprising cubs less than one year of age and individual tigers that have dispersed beyond the designated core zone into adjacent agricultural areas, commonly referred to as sugarcane tigers.^[139] There was 230% increment in tiger population growth since inception of the tiger reserve.^[140] The reserve boasts a male-to-female tiger ratio of 1:5, the highest among all tiger reserves in India.^[141] 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.^[141]

Several tigers in the 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.^[142] Another male tiger Shiva often found roaming around the deep forest trails along the canal.^[143] Rocket tiger roams around the Siphon area of the reserve.^[144] Naina tigress stays in the tall grassland along the canal with her cubs.^[145] Choti, another tigress is frequently observed in proximity to water bodies and is distinguished by her unique body markings.^[146] Sundar, another male tiger, who is described as the most stunning big cat of this reserve, hence the name was given.^[147] Charger, a dominant male tiger is believed to be most aggressive tiger and often found roaming around Bhimtaal area.^[148] Raka the male tiger often found in and around deep forest in the Mahof belt of reserve.^[149] Bhimtaal tiger also roams around Bhimtaal range of reserve.^[150] Barahi tigress stays in and around Barah range of reserve, hence name Barahi was given to her.^[151] Maya, a prominent tigress known for successfully rearing multiple offspring, thereby playing a significant role in the enhancement of the regional tiger population.^[152] Kulhariram Son of Sultan, roams around Chukka beach area. He has a birthmark of an axe, hence the name was given.^[153] Vardaan another Son of Sultan, also roams around Chukka beach area of the reserve.^[154] Rambha is a tigress, known for her bold and regal bearing, often photographed by wildlife enthusiasts.^[155] Star is a male tiger, often found roaming around Mahof forest area of the reserve.^[156] Veer is another male tiger, roams around Mahof range area often found near the gate of the reserve.^[157] Rudra, a dominant male tiger of the reserve, noted for his extensive territorial range and documented reproductive success.^[158]

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.^[159]

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.^[180] The 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.^[181] Key conservation strategies, including effective anti-poaching, habitat protection, and community involvement, contributed to this success. The award highlighted the tiger reserve as a prime example of effective conservation in action, demonstrating that committed efforts can yield rapid results.^[182] 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.^[183]

The International Governing Committee has granted CA|TS (Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards) accreditation to the 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 unione minister of forestry and climate change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, during an official ceremony held in New Delhi. With this accreditation, the reserve joins a select group of 23 CA|TS-certified sites across India, reflecting its adherence to globally accepted standards of tiger conservation.^[184]

The 6th TOFTigers awards for wildlife tourism were held on 5 December 2023 in New Delhi, with the objective of acknowledging and honouring significant contributions and best practices in sustainable tourism across the south Asian subcontinent. The reserve has been conferred the Kailash sankhala award in recognition of its transformative potential in sustainable tourism and its exemplary performance across 14 key indicators, including community engagement, ecotourism, and tiger conservation.^[185][186]

A big cat photograph from this reserve, captured by renown wildlife photographer Jitendra Chaware, received distinction at the Global Big Cat Photography Competition, organized in New Delhi in conjunction with Wildlife Week observances in October 2025.^[187] The competition attracted over 1,400 submissions globally, including more than 70 entries from Uttar Pradesh alone.^[187] The event was jointly organized by the IBCA, Arts Maestro, the Ministry of Environment, Uttar Pradesh government's eco-tourism development board (UPETDB), and MoEFCC.^[188] Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav attended the event and participated in a virtual tour of the reserve through augmented and virtual reality (AR–VR) technology.^[188]

• Project Tiger
• National Tiger Conservation Authority
• Tiger reserves of India
• Sikh massacre in Pilibhit forest
• Wildlife Institute of India
• Arid Forest Research Institute
• Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

• "BirdLife International (2025) Site factsheet: Pilibhit tiger reserve". BirdLife International. 2025.
• Map of the park provided by Project Tiger Directorate, Ministry of Environment, Govt of India.
• Official website of the reserve
• Pilibhit Tiger Reserve web resources provided by GovPubs at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries
• Geographic data related to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve at OpenStreetMap