A new study published in the journal Oryx - The International Journal of Conservation on April 23, 2026, has found that Kawal Tiger Reserve has sufficient prey density to support a population of more than 35 tigers. However, researchers caution that ecological capacity alone will not ensure recovery, pointing instead to habitat connectivity and human-wildlife conflict as major constraints.

No Breeding Population Despite Reserve Status

Declared a tiger reserve in 2012, Kawal currently does not have a resident breeding tiger population. Over the past decade, 15 tigers have dispersed into the reserve from neighbouring regions, primarily from Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. However, only two of these were females, significantly limiting the chances of establishing a stable breeding population.