For the first time, a comprehensive report has mapped the population of ungulates—animals like deer, wild pigs, antelopes, and bison—across India. The study finds that while these species are thriving in some regions, their numbers are falling in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. This is concerning not just for the animals themselves, but also for the survival of tigers, which heavily depend on these herbivores for food.
Prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India and the National Tiger Conservation Authority, this report used data from the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation to determine the density and spread of ungulates. Since India is home to over 3,600 tigers—around 70% of the global population—the health of their prey base is essential for their conservation.
Beyond tigers, ungulates play a vital ecological role. Their grazing patterns help shape forest ecosystems and maintain soil quality. However, threats like habitat destruction and deforestation are putting stress on these species, raising concerns for broader wildlife conservation efforts.
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