As a child in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, L. Krishnamoorthy spent hours exploring the Eastern Ghats, captivated by the beauty of nature. His fascination with wildlife led him to study forestry, paving the way for his journey as an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.
A defining moment came in 1998, during his training at Kanha Tiger Reserve, when he witnessed a tiger in the wild for the first time. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to protecting India’s majestic big cats.
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Doubling the Tiger Population in Satpura
When Krishnamoorthy took charge as Field Director of Satpura Tiger Reserve in 2017, the reserve was home to fewer than 40 tigers. Through strategic conservation efforts, he and his team transformed Satpura into a thriving habitat. By 2023, the number of tigers had doubled to 80!
His Winning Strategy
Strengthening Anti-Poaching Measures – Enhancing surveillance with camera traps and patrol teams.
Restoring Natural Habitats – Expanding water bodies and reintroducing barasingha deer, doubling their population from 114 to over 240.
Community-Led Conservation – Encouraging voluntary relocations, with 2,500+ villagers moving from core areas, reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Using Technology – Identifying tigers by stripe patterns, similar to human fingerprints, for accurate population monitoring.
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A Lasting Legacy for Wildlife
Krishnamoorthy’s efforts didn’t just bring back the tigers—they revived the entire ecosystem. Today, sambar, gaur, chital, and wild boars flourish, supporting a balanced food chain.
His work has earned prestigious awards, but his true reward is ensuring that future generations will witness the tiger in its rightful home.
