The All-India Tiger Estimation-2026 (AITE-26) launched its first phase on January 6 in Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary under the Erode Forest Division. Before starting, forest staff received training in wildlife counting methods. Over 150 staff are deployed in four forest ranges: Anthiyur, Bargur, Chennampatti, and Thattakarai. Teams are working across 52 forest patrol beats. For the first three days, the census uses the line transect method to record pugmarks, droppings, and direct sightings. They count wildlife including tigers, leopards, gaur, elephants, and bears. Although the main focus is on tiger reserves, areas with other predators and carnivores are also surveyed. In the following three days, the survey will focus on large herbivores like elephants, gaur, and deer. It also includes scavenger birds such as vultures and records different tree species, grasses, weeds, shrubs, and undergrowth. The field survey will end on January 12. The collected data will be compiled and sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) by January 31. The final report is expected in 2027.