Future Trend of Tiger Population in Similipal Tiger Reserve

Data on Tiger popUlation estimates from 1972 to 1997 have been analysed along with human population from 1971 to 1991 to regress the status of Tiger population in Similipal Tiger Reserve by the year 2061. Assumption has been made that the rate of growth of human population continuesilt the rate seen upto 1991. During observation years 1974-1997, the per cent rate of growth of Tiger population followed a declining trend which becomes negative after the year 2008, in spite or continuance of managerial inputs at the present level. For calculation of 'Multiple Regression' the independent variables were considered to be the management years and human population, ami the dependent variable was the per cent growth rate for number of Tigers in the Reserve. The work substantiates earlier findings that the Tiger population in Similipai Tiger Reserve is a population threatened by growth of human population. Restriction of use-area by inhabiting human population and enhancing measures for habitat improvement are suggested to possibly delay the anticipated negative trend of growth of Tiger population.