Tiger Census 2022: India’s tiger population up from 2,967 to 3,167

Tiger Census 2022: India’s tiger population now stands at 3,167, according to All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2021-2022.

The once-every-four-year survey, conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with state forest departments and the Wildlife Institute of India, was launched in Mysuru by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 1 as the country marked the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. To commemorate the occasion, a commemorative coin was also issued.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi stated, “The success of Project Tiger is a matter of pride, not only for India but for the whole world. For wildlife to thrive, it is important for ecosystems to thrive. This is happening in India. India has not only conserved the tiger but has also given them an ecosystem to flourish. India is a country where protecting nature is a part of the culture. This is why it has many unique achievements in wildlife conservation. With only 2.4 percent of the world's land area, India contributes to about 8 percent of the known global diversity.”

He also attributed the growth in numbers to the coexistence between ecology and economy.

Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with the goal of protecting the big cat and ensuring its long-term existence. It is still the world's largest species conservation initiative of its kind.

Initially, the programme covered nine of the country's tiger reserves. There are now 53, with the Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh being the most recent to be added in 2022. It is also an important source of employment for the villagers who live near these forests, and it is critical in funding eco-development efforts.

- With inputs from agencies

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