Latest news with #RoyalBengalTiger
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Roaring for change: Experts reflect on tiger conservation
India commemorates World Tiger Day 2025 with a symposium, Lord of the Jungle, highlighting the nation's crucial role in tiger conservation, now home to over 70% of the global population. Despite this success, alarming tiger deaths this year underscore the persistent threats of habitat loss and poaching. As India celebrates World Tiger Day 2025, conservationists, experts, and artists have come together to raise awareness about the plight and protection of the Royal Bengal Tiger — a species that, while emblematic of India's wildlife, continues to face grave threats in the wild. A two-day symposium titled Lord of the Jungle, curated by wildlife photographer and conservation advocate Shiladitya Chaudhury, kicked off on Tuesday at a city club with a compelling blend of dialogue, art, and performance. The event aims to spotlight India's pivotal role in global tiger conservation, given that the country is now home to over 70% of the world's wild tiger population — more than 3,700 big cats. Despite this remarkable achievement, recent data presents an urgent reality: over 20 tiger deaths have been recorded in just the first four months of this year. This stark figure has reignited concerns about habitat loss, poaching, and human-animal conflict. The symposium features keynote sessions by eminent voices in the conservation space, including Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India; Sunil Limaye, Member of the Central Empowered Committee and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra; and Pradeep Vyas, IFS (Retd.), a veteran forest officer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Pangkalan Jati Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Together, they delved into ongoing conservation efforts, policy gaps, and the road ahead for protecting India's national animal. Actress Gargee Roy Chowdhury was among the other dignitaries. "Saving the tiger isn't just about protecting a species — it's about preserving the soul of our forests," said Gargee who was seen to enjoy the exciting display of the majestic animal through a photography exhibition that will continue till today. Adding a cultural lens to the conversation, the day also saw a powerful Chhau performance depicting themes of man-animal conflict, reminding attendees of the delicate balance between development and ecology. The visual centerpiece of the event is a photography exhibition by Shiladitya, showcasing 36 stunning images of tigers captured across Indian reserves over two decades. The exhibit offers not just awe-inspiring visuals but also a poignant reminder of what's at stake. ''Lord of the Jungle is more than an event — it's a reflection of where we stand in the tiger conservation journey. We've come far since the launch of Project Tiger 52 years ago, but the battle is far from over,' said Chaudhury. As World Tiger Day 2025 unfolds, the message from India's conservation community is clear: while there is much to celebrate, protecting the tiger remains an urgent, collective responsibility.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
International Tiger Day 2025: 7 Must-Visit National Parks In India To Spot The Animal
The day also highlights threats and legal reinforcement against tiger poaching and encourages governments, NGOs and communities to unite against habitat loss, climate change and human-wildlife conflict. (Image: AI-Generated) Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh: It is known for its high tiger density and scenic landscapes, including rocky hills and the historic Bandhavgarh Fort. (Image: AI-Generated) Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: One of the largest national parks in the country, visitors are almost guaranteed to spot the majestic animal here. (Image: File Pic) Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh: This iconic park is described in detail in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. A jungle safari between April and June is the best time to spot the tiger here. (Image: AI-Generated) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: The oldest national park in the country, it is home to several tigers, particularly the Royal Bengal Tiger. (Image: AI-Generated) Kaziranga National Park, Assam: Yes, it is known for its world-famous one-horned rhino. However, the national park is also a great spot to tigers. (Image: AI-Generated) Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh: If you lucky enough, you can spot the striped animals enjoying a swim during summers. (Image: AI-Generated) 9/9 Bandipur National Park, Karnataka: One of the prominent national parks in South India, it is a great destination to spot tigers. (Image: File Pic)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
International Tiger Day 2025: Theme, why tigers are important, and how India doubled its tiger population in just a decade
World Tiger Day 2025 Theme: India joined 12 other nations on July 29 to mark International Tiger Day 2025 , a global event to raise awareness about tiger conservation. The day highlights ongoing threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-animal conflict that have led to a sharp decline in the global tiger population. India, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger , continues to play a key role in global conservation efforts. Origins of International Tiger Day International Tiger Day was established during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia in 2010. The summit brought together 13 tiger-range countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Russia, following alarming reports that only around 3,000 tigers remained in the wild. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Data Analytics Digital Marketing Project Management Others Design Thinking Technology CXO Finance MBA Public Policy Operations Management Management Leadership Cybersecurity MCA Data Science Product Management Healthcare healthcare Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details The participating nations adopted the 'Tx2' goal at the summit, which aimed to double the global tiger population by 2022 through joint conservation efforts and stronger protection laws. Since its inception, International Tiger Day has become a symbol of global unity to protect this endangered species. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More India now supports the world's largest tiger population. While holding only 18% of the world's tiger habitat, and facing the highest human density among tiger-range countries, India accounts for 75% of the world's wild tigers. More than 3,600 tigers now roam the country's forests, double the number recorded just over a decade ago. These tigers live across 138,200 sq km of forest, roughly half the size of the UK, often sharing the land with 60 million people. This success comes from decades of conservation efforts, particularly under a national initiative known as Project Tiger. Live Events Why Tigers are important and How they save the ecosystem? Tigers are apex predators. They sit at the top of the food chain and play an essential role in keeping forests healthy. By controlling herbivore numbers like deer and wild boar, tigers help prevent overgrasing, allowing plants and trees to regenerate. This balance helps support birds, insects, small mammals, and even microbes that thrive in the soil. When tigers thrive, the entire ecosystem benefits. A healthy tiger population reflects a functioning forest system that stores carbon, prevents soil erosion, and filters water for nearby communities. Forests with tigers also support humans Tigers often live in forests that act as natural water catchment areas. These forests help maintain river flows, reduce flood risks, and protect local agriculture from droughts. Trees in tiger habitats absorb carbon dioxide, helping to fight climate change. In many ways, saving tigers helps safeguard basic human needs like clean air, water, and food security. How India doubled the Tiger population in just a decade In the early 1970s, India saw a rapid decline in its tiger population. Concerned by this, the Indian government launched Project Tiger in 1973 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was one of the world's first wildlife conservation programmes focused on a single species. The project started with nine tiger reserves covering key forest areas. These reserves were selected based on tiger sightings, prey availability, and landscape connectivity. Over the next five decades, Project Tiger expanded its network. Today, there are over 50 tiger reserves in India, managed under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These reserves now cover over 2% of India's land area and form the backbone of national conservation policy. How Project Tiger changed India's conservation story In just over a decade, India has doubled its wild tiger population, from around 1,400 in 2006 to over 3,600 in 2024. This achievement helped meet the global 'Tx2' goal set at the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, which aimed to double tiger numbers by 2022. India has made significant progress in tiger conservation over the years. In states like Maharashtra, tiger numbers have increased from 101 in 2000 to 444 in recent years, according to official data. India's model has now become a case study for other tiger-range nations, proving that with long-term planning and community involvement, tiger recovery is possible. Tigers in Indian identity and culture The Royal Bengal Tiger is India's national animal. It is deeply embedded in Indian mythology, folk stories, and forest traditions. In many regions, tigers are respected symbols of strength and balance. Protecting them goes beyond wildlife, it touches cultural pride and national duty. Despite progress, challenges remain. Habitat fragmentation, infrastructure projects, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching continue to threaten tiger survival. Forest officials, researchers, and community leaders are calling for stronger policies, expanded green corridors, and more awareness at local levels. Ongoing success will depend on how India manages to balance forest protection with the needs of nearby communities. FAQs Q: Why are tigers important to the environment? A: Tigers control prey populations, support forest regeneration, and help maintain biodiversity. Their presence signals a healthy ecosystem. Q: How did India double its tiger population? A: Through focused policies under Project Tiger, better monitoring, protected reserves, and support from local communities. Q: What is Project Tiger? A: A government initiative launched in 1973 to protect India's wild tigers and their habitats. Q: How many tigers are there in India in 2025? A: Over 3,600, accounting for about 75% of the world's wild tiger population. Q: Do tigers help fight climate change? A: Yes. Tiger forests store carbon, help regulate rainfall, and keep ecosystems stable, which benefits the climate. International Tiger Day Theme and Activities for 2025 Each year, International Tiger Day carries a different theme to guide awareness efforts. The Global Tiger Forum will announce the theme for 2025. Previous slogans have included "Save Tigers, Save Forests, Save Life" and "Roar for Tigers." Educational institutions often conduct campaigns such as tree planting, wildlife documentary screenings, and classroom discussions. Students are encouraged to take on the role of young environmental guardians. In some schools, conservation topics are included in science curricula such as 'Conservation of Plants and Animals.'
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
International Tiger Day 2025: History, theme, significance, and more
International Tiger Day, celebrated annually on July 29, serves as a crucial reminder of our responsibility to protect tigers. Due to concerns including poaching, habitat destruction, and human conflict, the tigers, which were formerly widely distributed throughout Asia, now only exist in a small number of reserves. In addition to being charismatic creatures, tigers are keystone species whose existence is essential to preserving a thriving ecosystem. Unfortunately, their population has decreased by more than 95% in the past century. Thirteen tiger-range nations collaborate annually to increase awareness and put conservation measures in place in an effort to buck this worrying trend. History of International Tiger Day During the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, International Tiger Day was established. Only roughly 3,000 wild tigers remain in the wild, a critically low number that prompted the summit. Thirteen tiger-range nations, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, India, and Russia, participated in the conference. Under the "Tx2" target, the primary objective was to double the tiger population by 2022 through international collaboration and conservation initiatives. Since then, the day has grown to represent concerted global efforts to protect tigers. Theme of International Tiger Day 2025 Global Tiger Day has a unique theme and message each year. The Global Tiger Forum will announce the theme for 2025. Previous slogans have included "Save Tigers, Save Forests, Save Life" and "Roar for Tigers." Outreach initiatives and school events are shaped by these messages. Students are urged to take up the role of young environmental guardians. The ecology of tigers can be taught to everyone through wildlife documentaries. Tree-planting campaigns or awareness may be held at certain schools. Participation raises awareness of the protection of species and the health of forests. Through the course materials, students can also investigate tiger-related topics. Education and action are connected through courses like "Conservation of Plants and Animals." Why are Tigers important to the Environment? As top predators, tigers play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems. They maintain plants and fauna by managing the population. Their existence is a sign of a robust ecosystem and abundant biodiversity. Additionally, tiger-supported forests offer water security and serve as carbon sinks. Indian pride, mythology, and culture are all heavily reliant on tigers. India's national animal is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Its survival is a national duty as well as a wildlife problem. 2025's Global Tiger Day is more than just a date. It serves as a reminder of the wonders of nature and the necessity of protecting it. Young brains have the power to save lives via knowledge and action. Let us ensure that the next generation hears the shout rather than the silence.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Trailing through the Sundarban tales
You must have all heard of the Sundarbans, but have you ever wondered why it is so important? With roughly 78 mangrove species, the Sundarbans is globally the richest and largest mangrove forest. The name 'Sundarbans' comes from the abundant 'Sundari' mangrove trees in the area. The Sundarbans ecosystem in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta (a landform created by the deposition of sediment carried by a river as it flows into a standing body of water like an ocean, sea, or lake) spans the border between Bangladesh and India. The tides' action and the sediments that the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers carry (creating the world's largest delta, namely the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta) are what continuously shape the same. The deltaic landscape of the area, consisting of mudflats, tiny islands, and tidal waterways, defines the same. The Sundarbans' most distinguishing feature is its extensive network of mangrove forests, which have evolved to thrive in the delta's saline, brackish (a mix of fresh and saltwater, having a salinity level between the two) waters. The importance The Sundarbans act as a natural buffer, protecting inland areas from the effects of cyclones and tidal surges. While its mangroves are useful for carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change, the Sundarbans also serve as a breeding ground for numerous marine species. A wide variety of wildlife can be found in the terrestrial, aquatic, and marine habitats of the Sundarbans, which are recognised as a hotspot for biodiversity worldwide. The Sundarbans is home to a large population of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins, Saltwater crocodiles, and numerous other species of birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. For the communities that surround it, the Sundarbans hold great cultural significance. They are mentioned in local customs, rituals, and folklore, which highlight the distinctive ecosystem and its fauna, particularly the tigers. Threats faced If you were born in one of the islands in the Sundarbans, life might not have turned out as beautiful as the photographs from the area. With basic facilities, including electricity, often being a luxury, it's not just natural disasters and human-animal conflicts that you would have to war against. Some islands are mainly or even fully dependent on solar energy due to a lack of development and connection. Climate change has been heavily affecting the region for years now, and the aftermath of the same can be seen in the rising sea levels, stronger cyclones, and the constant need to migrate due to the threat to their livelihood from all of the same. Along with this, flooding and soil erosion are affecting the natural resources of the area as well as the people living on the various islands of the Sundarbans. As a result, thousands have been forced to rehabilitate and are often left homeless due to this cycle of disaster strikes. One of the recent natural disasters to hit the area was Cyclone Remal, which devastated not just the natural resources of the area but also multiple villages that saw habitat loss. Whenever disaster strikes, the people of the area dependent on fishing, crab hunting, and various other livelihood methods find themselves stuck between bans and debt traps. This is, unfortunately, a regular scene in the area. Solution-oriented plans How can we help the Sundarbans is the next major question that arises. Apart from ensuring better living situations, alternate livelihood methods are needed for the local communities to ensure they are not fully dependent on just the ecosystem. Rehabilitation efforts need to be stronger in the area, along with better implementation of the various conservation efforts, government initiatives, and international collaborations that are underway to ensure the area is protected. The population in the area needs to be encouraged to do more sustainable agriculture, utilise non-timber forest resources, and address wastewater treatment. Organic farming, growing native plant species, stabilising streambanks, and reviving biodiversity should also be given importance to ensure betterment of the area. Facilities for the same also need to be provided through schemes and other plans. Efforts going on As part of community-based initiatives in mangrove wetlands of India, the Joint Mangrove Management, known as JMM, was put forth by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and State Forest Departments. Such initiatives have helped in reviving the ecosystem of the area. Individuals have been planting more mangrove saplings to help speed up this process as well. This is also where initiatives like Bali Nature and the Wildlife Conservation Society come in. With people like Anil Mistry, the conservationist born and brought up in the Bali islands of Sundarbans, helping the locals create better alternate livelihood methods, solutions often lie right in front of us. It is extremely necessary to empower the local communities and groups who have lived the reality and are working towards their development. Bangladesh and India have also collaborated on conservation efforts, with projects such as 'climate-smart villages,' where farmers, researchers, local government, and the private sector come together to understand which climate-smart agriculture practices are better for a particular location. All hands aboard! In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has been allocated ₹3,412.82 crores, which is 9% higher than the 2024-25 revised estimates of Rs 3,125.96 crores. According to the Department of Sundarban affairs under the government of West Bengal, nearly 4000 hectares of land were brought under plantation of Mangrove, Jhaw, etc. West Bengal's forest department and NGOs like SEEDS and WWF have planted tens of thousands of saplings, including salt-tolerant species. Over 75,000 trees have been planted across 25 villages and four crore more under state-led programs. Private entities like the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) and Livelihoods are also working together with the local communities of the Sundarbans to restore shrinking mangrove forests. The project, which began in 2011, planted over 16 million mangrove trees to strengthen the existing man-made embankments that protect the communities' homes and farmlands from flooding. There are other NGOs actively working in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, focusing on various aspects of community development, environmental conservation, and disaster relief. MUKTI, for example, focuses on holistic development in the Sundarbans and other West Bengal districts, addressing health, education, agriculture, livelihood, the environment, disaster relief, and community empowerment. They offer interest-free loans and skill development training to women in rural areas. Such initiatives help in improving the well-being of people living on the disaster-prone Sundarbans islands. Another such organisation would be the Sundarban Foundation, which provides aid to underprivileged women and children, as well as those affected by tigers in the Sundarbans and surrounding areas. Women-led groups produce saplings, honey, handicrafts, and paper bags, generating alternative income while reducing illegal forest use. The region can grow stronger by strengthening cross-border, community-led stewardship and connecting climate resilience with sustainable development. Both the Bangladeshi and Indian portions of the Sundarbans have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrating their significance. The Indian portion was added in 1987, while the Bangladeshi portion was added in 1997. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance). This has helped the area gain more attention over the years as far as its protection is concerned. Land, biodiversity, and livelihoods in the Sundarbans are rapidly disappearing, and swift action is a necessity. However, encouraging signs are present, including strong local leadership, global support, and creative, nature-based restoration strategies. The Sundarbans are more than just a forest; they are a vital source of carbon sinks, biodiversity, and a home to millions of people worldwide. Collective action, combining ecological knowledge with scientific advancement and political will, is necessary for its survival.
