India’s Tiger Population Reaches 3,925 with 6.1% Annual Growth Rate

Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aimed to protect and conserve India's tiger population and biodiversity. By 2023, the project has become phenomenally successful, with India home to about 75% of the world's wild tiger population. On Global Tiger Day (29th July 2023), Ashwini Kumar, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change revealed that India boasts an estimated tiger population of 3,925, with an annual growth rate of 6.1%. This growth and success is attributed to the various phases of the project, which expanded the reserves, engaged communities, ensured strict law enforcement, and conducted scientific monitoring. Despite the overall increase, some regions, such as the Western Ghats, showed a decrease in tiger population.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

  1. Project Tiger was initiated by the Government of India in 1973 to protect and conserve the tiger population.
  2. The project has led to India hosting nearly 75% of the world's wild tiger population.
  3. As of 2023, India's estimated tiger population stands at 3,925, growing at an annual rate of 6.1%.
  4. The project started with nine reserves, which, over the period, expanded to 53.
  5. Different phases of the project involved various strategies such as enlarging the protected areas, involving communities, strict law enforcement, and scientific monitoring.
  6. Region-wise, Central India, Shivalik Hills, and Gangetic plains have seen a significant increase, but the Western Ghats have observed a decreased tiger population.