TIGER POPULATION IN INDIA DOUBLES THANKS TO ACTIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
One of the most exquisite animals on the planet is undoubtedly the tiger. Numerous conservation organizations are putting a lot of effort into ensuring the survival of this endangered species. Fortunately, India doubled its tiger population in 12 years, according to a study released in January 2025. The National Tiger Conservation Authority of India claims that the study shows that the country's tiger population increased from 1,706 in 2010 to 3,682 in 2022. With this new number, approximately 75% of the world's tiger population now resides in India, which is a fantastic advancement for big cat and wildlife conservation.
The study pinpoints several elements that contributed to this outstanding accomplishment. The expansion of the big cat population was largely dependent on increased legal protection for tigers against poaching and habitat loss, as well as a surplus of prey and a decrease in conflict between humans and wildlife. The study also shows that raising community living standards in regions close to tiger habitats contributed to population growth, proving that human well-being and biodiversity initiatives don't have to conflict. Indeed, it was discovered that the increase in the number of tigers had benefited certain communities and regions close to their habitats. These communities made more money thanks to eco-tourism and the foot traffic it generated, which should have improved the standard of living for everyone.
The study's lead author and senior scientist at the Indian National Academy of Sciences, Yadvendradev Jhala, provides additional insight into the connection between a growing tiger population and community well-being. "It's widely held that human densities prevent tiger populations from growing," he says. "What the research demonstrates is that people's attitudes matter more than their human density."
Jhala's statement becomes even more pertinent when we examine the precise locations in India where the tiger population is concentrated. The study estimates the country's tiger population's geographic distribution to be just under 55,000 square miles, correcting earlier inaccurate calculations. Just 25% of this region is made up of protected and prey-rich land, and the remaining 45% overlaps with a population of roughly 60 million. These figures make it more and more obvious that improved living conditions for both humans and wildlife are necessary for their coexistence.
Although the study has received positive feedback, some environmentalists are demanding greater transparency regarding the data used to conduct the research, which was based on findings gathered by government-sponsored organizations in India. However, the fundamental finding is still that strong wildlife conservation laws and community support lead to fewer armed conflicts and forest resource exploitation, which benefits tiger populations. This study shows a bright future for the tiger population and offers a practical model for the conservation of other endangered species in India.
