Roaring Havens: The Top 10 Countries Where Tigers Thrive in 2025

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Roaring Havens: The Top 10 Countries Where Tigers Thrive in 2025

Tigers (Panthera tigris), the largest of the big cats, are symbols of raw power and beauty. Once roaming across Asia with populations estimated at 100,000 in the early 20th century, their numbers have dwindled to approximately 5,574 in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. However, conservation efforts in several countries have led to remarkable recoveries. This article explores the top 10 countries with the largest wild tiger populations in 2025, highlighting their conservation strategies, unique habitats, and challenges. From India’s lush reserves to Russia’s snowy forests, these nations are critical to the survival of this endangered species.

1. India – ~3,682 Tigers

India hosts the largest wild tiger population, with approximately 3,682 Bengal tigers, accounting for over 70% of the global total. Renowned reserves like Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, and Bandhavgarh provide dense forests, grasslands, and mangroves ideal for tigers. Since 2006, India’s tiger population has grown significantly, from 1,411 to 3,682, driven by the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s efforts, including Project Tiger. Anti-poaching patrols, community involvement, and over 50 tiger reserves have been pivotal. However, habitat fragmentation from roads and mining remains a challenge.

Conservation Highlight: India’s transboundary efforts with Bangladesh in the Sundarbans ensure genetic diversity for the unique mangrove-dwelling tigers.

[](https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-tiger-range-countries-trc-with-estimated-population-1820001085-1)

2. Russia – ~750 Tigers

Russia is home to the Amur (Siberian) tiger, with an estimated 750 individuals in the Russian Far East, up from 480–540 in 2015. The Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and other protected areas offer vast, snowy taiga forests where these tigers thrive. Russia’s conservation includes anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and transboundary agreements with China. A 2015 national survey marked a significant increase, and 2022 estimates confirm continued growth, with 200 cubs recorded. Challenges include prey depletion and human encroachment.

Conservation Highlight: The 2010 Russia-China agreement established the world’s largest transboundary tiger protected area.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_tiger)

3. Indonesia – ~580 Tigers

Indonesia hosts around 580 Sumatran tigers, a critically endangered subspecies found only on Sumatra. Dense rainforests like those in the Thirty Hills provide habitat, but no systematic national survey exists due to the challenging terrain. Conservation efforts focus on protected areas and anti-poaching measures, yet habitat loss from deforestation and palm oil plantations threatens their survival. A 2022 WWF survey identified five tigers in Thirty Hills, suggesting potential for growth with stronger protection.

Conservation Highlight: Community-based programs offer alternative livelihoods to reduce deforestation.

[](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/02/wwf-tiger-population-wildlife-lunar-new-year/)

4. Nepal – ~355 Tigers

Nepal’s tiger population has tripled since 2009, reaching 355 in 2022, primarily in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. The Terai Arc’s grasslands and subtropical forests provide ideal habitats. Nepal’s success stems from rigorous anti-poaching laws, community engagement, and the TX2 initiative to double tiger numbers. However, human-wildlife conflict persists as tigers venture into villages. Nepal’s commitment to biodiversity makes it a model for conservation.

Conservation Highlight: The 2013 survey showed a 60% increase from 121 tigers, reflecting effective park management.

[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/chasing-tigers-countries-with-maximum-tiger-population/photostory/111332846.cms)

5. Bhutan – ~131 Tigers

Bhutan, with 131 Bengal tigers, is unique for hosting tigers at high altitudes, up to 4,200 meters, alongside snow leopards. The 2014 national survey revealed an increase from 75 to 103, with 2025 estimates suggesting further growth. Bhutan’s strong environmental policies and pristine Himalayan forests support this population. Conservation challenges include limited prey and potential inbreeding in isolated habitats.

Conservation Highlight: Bhutan’s constitutional mandate to maintain 60% forest cover ensures tiger habitats remain intact.

[](https://wwf.ca/stories/13-countries-wild-tigers/)

6. Thailand – ~148–189 Tigers

Thailand hosts 148–189 Indochinese tigers, primarily in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Camera traps in 2016 discovered a new breeding population, a testament to increased anti-poaching efforts. Thailand’s tropical forests offer ample prey, but illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss remain threats. Population density in protected areas is 2.01 tigers per 100 km², higher than in logged areas.

Conservation Highlight: Thailand’s use of camera traps and GPS tracking enhances monitoring and protection.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger)[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/chasing-tigers-countries-with-maximum-tiger-population/photostory/111332846.cms)

7. Malaysia – ~120–150 Tigers

Malaysia is home to 120–150 Malayan tigers in the southern and central Malay Peninsula, particularly in Royal Belum State Park. Population density in protected areas is 1.47–2.43 tigers per 100 km², but only 0.3–0.92 in logged forests. Deforestation and poaching threaten this subspecies, but conservation efforts, including guard posts and community programs, show promise.

Conservation Highlight: Malaysia’s ITHCP projects have improved protected area management by 22%.

[](https://iucn.org/news/species/202107/new-report-iucns-tiger-programme-finds-there-has-been-average-increase-tiger-population-within-project-sites-40-between-2015-and-2021)

8. Bangladesh – ~114 Tigers

The Sundarbans mangrove forest, shared with India, hosts 114 Bengal tigers adapted to a unique coastal ecosystem. These tigers are skilled swimmers, navigating tidal rivers. The 2015 survey counted 106 tigers, with slight growth by 2023. Challenges include rising sea levels due to climate change, which could destroy their habitat by 2070, and human-wildlife conflict.

Conservation Highlight: Bangladesh uses satellite tracking and camera traps for precise monitoring.

[](https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-tiger-range-countries-trc-with-estimated-population-1820001085-1)

9. China – ~50 Tigers

China has around 50 tigers, primarily Amur tigers near the Russian border and a few South China tigers in reserves. Once nearly extinct in the wild, numbers are increasing due to breeding programs and rewilding efforts. The Hunchun National Nature Reserve recorded a tigress with cubs in 2012, signaling recovery. Habitat restoration and transboundary efforts with Russia are key.

Conservation Highlight: China’s 2010 agreement with Russia supports Amur tiger recovery.

[](https://www.thedailyjagran.com/trending/top-10-countries-with-most-tigers-in-the-world-international-tiger-day-10256172)

10. Myanmar – ~22 Tigers

Myanmar’s tiger population, estimated at 22, resides in remote forests and river basins. The 2009 population density was low (0.21–0.44 tigers per 100 km²), and ongoing deforestation and hunting pressure threaten survival. Surveys are needed for accurate counts, but protected areas offer hope for stabilizing this small population.

Conservation Highlight: WWF’s efforts focus on community awareness and habitat protection.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger)

Conservation Challenges and Global Efforts

Despite progress, tigers remain endangered, with a 95% loss of their historical range. Key threats include:

  • Habitat Loss: Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and infrastructure fragments tiger habitats, reducing prey and breeding opportunities.
  • Poaching: Demand for tiger parts in traditional medicine drives illegal hunting, despite bans.
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: As tigers venture into human areas, retaliatory killings increase.
  • Climate Change: Rising sea levels threaten coastal habitats like the Sundarbans.

The TX2 initiative, launched in 2010, aimed to double tiger numbers by 2022. While the global population reached 5,574 by 2023, falling short of 6,000, countries like India, Nepal, and Russia showed significant gains. Technologies like camera traps, drones, and GPS, along with community-based programs, have been critical. The 2022 Global Tiger Summit set new goals for 2034, emphasizing habitat expansion and transboundary cooperation.

[](https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/tiger)[](https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/new-tiger-population-estimate-of-5-574-wild-tigers-announced-by-global-tiger-forum)

Conclusion

The top 10 countries with the largest tiger populations—India, Russia, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar—are beacons of hope for this endangered species. From India’s robust reserves to Bhutan’s high-altitude havens, these nations demonstrate that dedicated conservation can reverse decades of decline. However, ongoing threats like habitat loss and poaching require global cooperation. By supporting protected areas, sustainable livelihoods, and anti-poaching measures, we can ensure tigers continue to roar for generations.

References

1. Global Tiger Forum. (2023). New tiger population estimate of 5,574 wild tigers. Link

[](https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/new-tiger-population-estimate-of-5-574-wild-tigers-announced-by-global-tiger-forum)

2. IUCN Red List. (2022). Panthera tigris. Link

[](https://panthera.org/newsroom/global-tiger-population-stable-and-potentially-increasing-despite-extreme-threats)

3. National Tiger Conservation Authority. (2025). Status of Tigers in India. Link

[](https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-tiger-range-countries-trc-with-estimated-population-1820001085-1)

4. WWF. (2024). Tiger Range Countries. Link

[](https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/tiger)

5. World Population Review. (2025). Countries in Which Tigers Live. Link

[](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/tiger-countries)

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