World’s Largest Wildlife Survey 2026

India is preparing to conduct the world’s largest wildlife survey in 2026 through the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE).

With India hosting nearly 75% of the global wild tiger population, this enormous exercise is not limited to counting tigers; it is a complete biodiversity survey that helps assess forest quality, prey density, human disturbance, and ecological balance. 

Understanding the World’s Largest Wildlife Survey

The World’s Largest Wildlife Survey is conducted every four years and covers:

• Over 400,000 sq km of forest area

• More than 20 states

• 60,000 personnel

• 40,000+ camera traps

This scale makes it the largest tiger census in the world, a global model for wildlife monitoring and conservation practices.

Why India Conducts the World’s Largest Wildlife Survey

The main aim of the World’s Largest Wildlife Survey is to monitor the tiger population, assess habitat quality, analyse prey availability, and support strong wildlife conservation efforts. The survey also helps identify human–tiger conflict areas, new corridor requirements, and regions where the forest ecosystem requires protection.

For students preparing for SSC exams, knowing why the tiger census is the world’s biggest wildlife survey is essential for environment-related questions.

Phases of India’s Tiger Population Monitoring

The World’s Largest Wildlife Survey is conducted in three scientific phases.

Phase 1: Ground Tracking and Field Observations

In the first phase of this 2026 India wildlife survey, forest guards walk transects to collect ground-level data.

They document:

• Pugmarks, claw marks, scat

• Prey sightings such as deer, sambar, and wild boar

• Vegetation density, including trees, shrubs, and grasses

• Human presence indicators like cattle dung and woodcutting

These observations are crucial for forest ecosystem assessment and demonstrate the importance of prey density assessment in tiger surveys.

Phase 2: Satellite-Based Wildlife Tracking

The Wildlife Institute of India integrates field data with satellite-based wildlife tracking.

This phase examines:

• Forest cover

• Terrain

• Water resources

• Encroachment levels

This highlights the role of satellites in wildlife conservation in India, helping researchers identify tiger corridors and high-pressure zones that affect population movement.

Phase 3: Camera Trap Wildlife Survey

• The third phase of the world’s largest wildlife survey involves massive use of camera traps.

• More than 40,000 cameras are installed across 4 sq km grids to capture tiger images for tiger population estimation in India.

• Each tiger is identified by its unique stripe pattern, showcasing how camera traps help in wildlife population estimation.

In 2022, Karnataka alone recorded 563 individual tigers, reflecting successful wildlife conservation efforts.

Exam-Focused Key Facts for SSC Aspirants

• The World’s Largest Wildlife Survey covers 400,000 sq km.

• Conducted across 20+ states.

• Uses 40,000 camera traps.

• 60,000 personnel participate.

• Cubs under 2 years are excluded from the official count.

• Karnataka’s tiger count (2022): 563.

These facts appear frequently in SSC exam questions.

Why the 2026 Edition of the World’s Largest Wildlife Survey Matters

The 2026 edition of the World’s Largest Wildlife Survey will shape India’s future conservation strategies. It will help determine:

• Protection success rates

• Rising conflict zones

• Need for new reserves or wildlife corridors

• Focus areas for forest restoration

• Impact of climate and human activities on tigers

This shows the significant impact of the 2026 tiger census on conservation policies and the long-term planning of Conservation India.

Final Thoughts

India is gearing up for the world’s largest wildlife survey in 2026 through the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE). This massive wildlife survey goes beyond counting tigers—it assesses forest health, prey density, and human impact across more than 400,000 sq km in 20+ states.

The survey is conducted in three phases: ground tracking by forest guards, satellite-based wildlife tracking, and a camera trap wildlife survey to identify individual tigers. With over 60,000 personnel and 40,000 cameras, the survey helps estimate the tiger population, monitor ecosystems, and guide wildlife conservation efforts.

Karnataka alone recorded 563 tigers in 2022. The results inform future conservation policies, wildlife corridors, and habitat protection strategies, making it a global benchmark in wildlife monitoring.