50 years of Saving The Tiger Project 

Jaun Shahi

Not many conservation projects have been subject to so much of debates, discussions, a fair share of controversies, support from various organizations and individuals and a rather long rough, challenging journey since the last 50 years, as ‘the “Save The Tiger” campaign launched in 1973 by the Government of India during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure. The highly optimistic and demanding conservation effort was aimed at protecting the endangered Bengal Tiger species in India. 

The project aims at ensuring a viable population of the Bengal tiger in its natural habitats, protecting it from extinction, and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage that represent the diversity of ecosystems across the tiger’s range in the country. The campaign focuses on protecting tiger habitats, stopping poaching, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. 

Some of the measures taken under the campaign include:

Setting up protected areas: India has established over 50 tiger reserves across the country, covering an area of around 73,000 square kilometers, to ensure the conservation of tigers and their habitats. 

Anti-poaching measures: As part of the programme, additional patrols in tiger habitats are being conducted, anti-poaching squads are being established, and local communities are being offered incentives for reporting illegal activity. Tiger components are highly sought-after for both luxury products and traditional treatments. The demand for tiger skins, bones, and other components has grown significantly, creating a sizable market for poachers. Poachers kill or capture tigers using traps, weapons, and other methods, which has caused a sharp fall in tiger populations.

Awareness campaigns: The campaign also involves raising awareness about the importance of tiger conservation among local communities, school children, and the general public. This is done through various media campaigns, workshops, and educational programs.

Habitat restoration: With the planting of trees and other flora that offers tigers shelter and food, the effort also aims to restore degraded tiger habitats. Tigers are at danger of extinction for a number of causes, including habitat loss. Tigers are losing their natural habitats as humans continue to build more cities and clear more forests. As a result, they run the risk of clashing with people, and it is harder for them to get food and partners.

During the tiger census of 2006, a new methodology was used to extrapolate site-specific densities of tigers, their co-predators and prey derived from camera trap and sign surveys using GIS. Based on the result of these surveys, the total tiger population was estimated at 1,411 individuals ranging from 1,165 to 1,657 adult and sub-adult tigers of more than 1.5 years of age. It was claimed that owing to the project, the number of tigers increased to 2,603–3,346 individuals by 2018. In a testimony to the success of Project Tiger, in 2022, the 54th tiger reserve in India was declared in Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, being the State’s fourth tiger reserve.

However, looking at the positive sides of The Save the Tiger campaign in 2023 one can say it has been successful in increasing the tiger population in the country, which was at an all-time low in the 1970s. Today, India is home to around 70% of the world’s tigers, and the campaign continues to be a major conservation effort in the country. 

In the words of Nirmalya Chakraborty, Editor of ‘Jungle Rhythms’ and a passionate nature lover and a wildlife explorer, “ Tiger is a live indicator of our ecosystem’s health. Tigers do not settle in places where their habitat is not conducive. A tiger cannot live in places where forest cover, prey species and water sources have vanished. Saving the tiger would mean saving a large track of forest that it needs to survive. A tiger feeds around 18-40kg of meat in a single feed, starting from the rump. Without interruption, it may take around 3-6 days to finish the meal. In India, it is estimated that if a single tiger hunts every 8-9 days, then on average a tiger would need about 54 ungulates each year. To make sure that there is an adequate prey base for sustainability, we must make sure that the woodlands, grasslands, meadows and water streams that these prey animals need to survive are protected. In this way, the entire forest ecology from the forest floor to the canopy and all its denizens – algae, ants, termites, bees, spiders, frogs, bats, birds & fishes all become secure under the initiatives of tiger conservation.”

The tiger is an iconic species that is threatened on several fronts with extinction. Action must be taken to safeguard tigers’ habitats, lessen conflict between humans and tigers, stop poaching, and aid in conservation efforts if we are to conserve them. It is up to us to act now, before it’s too late, to ensure the tiger’s survival.

Author: Jaun Shahi

Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.