There are 48 tigers in the reserve across which tigers are free to roam. In 2007, the state government declared Mudumalai.  In April 2007, the state government declared Mudumalai to be a tiger reserve in an effort to conserve the country's dwindling tiger populations. 

About 350 families living in the core area have been evicted from the park and given compensation. Those in the 5 km buffer area around the park fear they too will be evicted someday. Meanwhile, many of the  people in this zone are involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their income through eco-tourism. 

Leaving this zone we carried on to Mysore.