India has emerged as the global leader in tiger conservation, boasting the largest tiger population in the world despite having just 18% of the world’s tiger habitat and one of the highest human population densities.
A Remarkable Rise in Numbers
Over the past decade, India’s tiger population has surged past 3,600, accounting for 75% of the global tiger population. These magnificent big cats share a landscape of 138,200 sq km—roughly half the size of the United Kingdom—with an estimated 60 million people.
What Led to This Conservation Success?
According to a study published in Science, India’s tiger recovery has been driven by:
✅ Stronger anti-poaching measures
✅ Efforts to restore degraded habitats
✅ Increased prey availability
✅ Minimization of human-wildlife conflicts
✅ Support for local communities in conservation efforts
“It’s not just about the number of people but their attitudes towards conservation that play a crucial role,” said Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala, the study’s lead author, in an interview with the BBC.
A Tale of Contrasts: India vs. Malaysia
Jhala highlighted how, despite economic prosperity and lower population density, Malaysia has struggled to revive its tiger population, whereas India’s structured conservation efforts have yielded success.
The study, co-authored by Ninad Avinash Mungi, Rajesh Gopal, and Qamar Qureshi, examined tiger distribution in India between 2006 and 2018, during which tiger habitats expanded by 30%.
Human-Tiger Coexistence: A Complex Dynamic
While protected areas rich in prey have played a vital role, tigers have also adapted to regions inhabited by millions of people, mainly in agricultural and peri-reserve landscapes.
The level of human-tiger coexistence varies across states, influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors:
✔ Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra – Prosperous states with robust conservation programs have successfully sustained large tiger populations.
❌ Odisha & Chhattisgarh – High levels of poaching and weaker conservation enforcement have led to population declines.
The Double-Edged Sword of Economic Growth
While economic prosperity aids tiger recovery by promoting sustainable ecosystem use, it also presents challenges. Unregulated development and habitat destruction pose a significant risk to long-term conservation.
“Economic growth can be a double-edged sword for tiger habitats,” Jhala cautioned.
Political Unrest: A Hidden Threat to Tigers
The study also pointed to armed conflict and political instability as major contributors to tiger population decline. Wildlife exploitation and habitat destruction tend to escalate in regions experiencing social or political turmoil.
The Road Ahead
India’s tiger conservation success is a testament to decades of dedicated efforts by forest officials, conservationists, and local communities. However, sustaining this success will require:
✔ Continued habitat protection
✔ Stronger anti-poaching laws
✔ Sustainable economic policies
✔ Engaging local communities in conservation