Tiger, tiger burning bright...

Tigress leading cubs in Kanha Reserve, India

Increase in wild tiger count is doing much more than glorifying the majestic feline. Global tiger conservation projects help in maintaining balance of the ecosystems and in preserving bio-diversity. The movement benefits all species, humans included.

The roar of the tiger is reverberating across India today. It is not because the country's big cats have suddenly turned into super animals with mightier vocal chords. It is because India has added 200 tigers from year 2018 to 2022. 

Ably-planned and executed conservation projects have resulted in India being home to 3167 tigers in 2022, up from 2967 in the year 2018. The figures released in April 2023 on the completion of the fifth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (2022) show that India accounts for 3/4th of the tiger global count today. 

According to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), India’s neighbour Nepal is habitat for 355 tigers as per July 2022 figures. The Terai Arc stretching from the Bagmati river in Nepal to Yamuna river in India is estimated to host 1000 wild tigers; it is the highest density tiger area in the world.

South China tigress feeding her cubs

Why tiger conservation?: The conservation of wild tigers is of paramount importance as these magnificent animals are not only an iconic species but also play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. Tiger conservation is essential for preserving the world's biodiversity and protecting the habitats of numerous other species that rely on the same ecosystems.

It is often asked how tigers protect the environment. Tigers require large areas of undisturbed forests and grasslands to survive, which provides vital ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil conservation. The conservation of tiger habitats, therefore, ensures the protection of these vital ecosystem services.

These conservation projects also have a significant impact on local communities by providing employment opportunities, increasing tourism revenue, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. For example, in India's Kanha Tiger Reserve, local communities have been involved in ecotourism initiatives, which have created job opportunities and generated significant income for the local economy. There are 53 tiger reserves in over a dozen states of India.

Tiger conservation projects also help protect other species that share the same habitats as tigers. Tigers are apex predators and play a crucial role in controlling the populations of prey species, thereby preventing overgrazing and habitat degradation. For example, in the Russian Far East, the presence of tigers has been shown to benefit the populations of prey species such as deer and wild boar, which in turn, helps to maintain the health of forests and grasslands.

It is thus obvious that tiger conservation is essential for preserving the world's biodiversity, protecting vital ecosystem services, and promoting sustainable development. The common man benefits from tiger conservation projects in many ways. These projects provide employment opportunities, promote ecotourism, and support sustainable development initiatives that improve the quality of life for local communities. The projects also support agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in various ways.

Waterplay in Sundarbans, India

1. Kanha National Park is one of India's largest tiger reserves. Covering an area of over 940 square km, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The conservation efforts in the park have resulted in the regeneration of degraded forests and grasslands, which has helped to improve water and soil quality in the surrounding areas. The park's ecotourism initiatives have generated significant income and employment opportunities for the local communities.

2. Chitwan National Park, Nepal, is another example of a successful tiger conservation project. The park covers an area of over 950 square km and is home to a significant population of tigers. The conservation efforts in the park have led to the restoration of degraded forests and wetlands, which has improved water quality in the surrounding areas. In addition, ecotourism initiatives have generated significant income and jobs for local communities.

Strolling in Siberian snow

3. Siberian Tiger Park, Russia, is located in the Russian Far East and is home to a significant population of Siberian tigers. The park covers an area of over 1,400 square km and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The conservation efforts in the park have resulted in the regeneration of degraded forests and grasslands, which has helped to improve water and soil quality in the surrounding areas. In addition, the park's ecotourism initiatives have generated significant income for the local economy and created employment opportunities for local communities.