Did you know that many conservationists had written off the tiger in the late 1990s? They strongly believed that the world’s most magnificent cat might not live to see the 21st century. But today, three decades later, India can take immense pride in the fact that tigers have not only survived but have seen a measurable population rise.
In 1968, tiger hunting was banned. The need for a nationwide act for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants and issues related to ecological and environmental security of the country was passed. And that is how the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 came into existence.
After the tiger was declared the national animal in 1973, the ambitious 'Project Tiger' was launched by then Union Tourism Minister Dr. Karan Singh at nine prime habitats of the country. As we celebrate 50 years of Project Tiger, we truly get to see that we’ve come a long way in preserving these iconic species. From nine, the number of tiger reserves has grown to an impressive 54. Official government records confirm that the tiger population more than doubled from an estimated 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022.
Poaching and habitat loss were the main threats to the tiger population in India, with 1993 and 2006 being the most challenging years. Due to poaching, Panna and Sariska tiger reserves faced complete loss of population.
Today India is home to 70 per cent of the world’s 13 tiger-conserving countries.
Uttarakhand was first in the world to implement CATS (Conservation Assured Tiger Standers) to protect tiger in the Lansdowne Forest Division. This initiative is WWF-initiated effort to protect tiger outside tiger reserves. It is expected that CATS will further enhance tiger population in India and will act as the first step for landscape planning for tiger conservation in India.
Tigers are very adaptable and the exact same subspecies, the Bengal Tiger, can be found scattered across India in jungles, mangroves and dry forests.
The Bengal Tiger is the biggest species in the cat family, weighing as much as 300 kg or 660 lb. Despite their huge size, they can reach speeds of about 35 to 40 miles per hour. Like most other cats, the Bengal Tigers are solitary hunters.
As we celebrate International Tiger Day this month, it’s important to remember that tiger safaris play a crucial role in promoting wildlife conservation by raising awareness about the plight of these endangered species. As a responsible traveller, never participate in a tour that allows you to interact with tigers in a physical way. In doing so, you’ll be contributing to the vicious cycle of torture and abuse of these majestic cats. By experiencing tigers in their natural habitat, you can gain a deeper understanding of their role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the forest. More importantly, tiger tourism generates revenue, which is reinvested in conservation efforts, local communities and the development of infrastructure in and around protected areas.
Project Tiger is a unique and unparalleled conservation success story in the world. But this would not have been possible without the countless unknown faces of men and women working on the ground. It’s their compassion and commitment that has helped drive the conservation of our country’s most iconic brand ambassador.
To join us on an unforgettable journey through the tiger territory to witness this mighty cat in the wild, contact: info@sublimewildernessodyssey.com.