India’s Roaring Success: Doubling the Tiger Population in a Decade

 

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India has achieved an incredible conservation milestone by doubling its tiger population in just over a decade. According to a recent study, the country now hosts the world’s largest tiger population, with 3,682 tigers occupying approximately 1.4 lakh square kilometers. This remarkable growth accounts for 75% of the global tiger population, reaffirming India’s pivotal role in global wildlife conservation.

A Decade of Growth

The research, led by senior wildlife scientist Yadvendradev V. Jhala, highlights a 30% increase in tiger-occupied territory between 2006 and 2018, expanding at a rate of approximately 2,929 sq km per year. The study was co-authored by Ninad Mungi from Aarhus University, Denmark, Rajesh Gopal, former head of Project Tiger, and senior scientist Qamar Qureshi.

Coexistence with Humans

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Interestingly, 45% of tiger-occupied habitats are shared with around 60 million people. Many of these areas are economically prosperous due to tiger-related tourism and government compensation programs for human-wildlife conflict. This successful coexistence demonstrates how conservation efforts can contribute to both ecological and economic well-being.

Habitat Distribution and Challenges

The study reveals that 25% of tigers inhabit core areas of tiger reserves, while 20% and 10% reside in wildlife sanctuaries and tiger corridors, respectively. These corridors play a crucial role in connecting fragmented forests, ensuring genetic diversity and tiger migration.

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Despite these successes, challenges remain. Key habitats in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand — covering around 1,57,000 sq km — are devoid of tigers. This presents an opportunity for targeted conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and socio-economic upliftment of forest-dwelling communities.

To sustain and further this conservation success, it is vital to set aside human-free lands for tigers to breed and repopulate multi-use forests. As Jhala states, “If you do not have spared lands, you cannot have shared lands.”

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India’s tiger conservation efforts serve as a global model, demonstrating the power of dedicated wildlife protection policies, community engagement, and habitat restoration. With continued efforts, India’s roaring success can inspire the world to safeguard its rich biodiversity for future generations.