Mayurbhanj, April 4 -- The Forest Department in Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve has commenced systematic preparations for the All India Tiger Estimation 2026, with a year-long roadmap laid out for training, field exercises, and scientific data collection aimed at tracking the big cat population.

Speaking to ANI, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) Prakash Chand Gogineni said that groundwork has already begun in the Mayurbhanj-based reserve, with a special focus on building staff capacity and standardising ecological monitoring.

"As part of the national tiger census scheduled for 2026, we have launched detailed preparations at Similipal. Training of forest staff and field functionaries is our top priority right now to ensure ro...