Roaring into the headlines in 2022, the government of India released a <a href="https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/Reports/AITM/Status_Tigers_2022_Summary-1.pdf">tiger census report </a>containing some remarkable findings. The report revealed that the tiger population in India had&nbsp;reached 3,167, showing a notable increase of about 6.7 per cent compared to the last census in 2018, which had reported 2,967 tigers.&nbsp;

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During the report's unveiling, PM Modi said that India stands apart from other tiger-range countries as its tiger numbers continue to grow. He attributed this positive trend to the long-standing coexistence of people and wildlife in the country.

Undoubtedly, the report warrants celebration, but the need to holistically understand these numbers is pivotal. To do that, WION spoke to Dr Anish Andheria,&nbsp;India’s leading wildlife expert and the President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust. The report is a clear indicator of India’s positive stride in conservation over the years, but there are a few problem areas that need some attention. But, firstly a bit on the role of a tiger in the ecosystem.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Column Chart" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="400" id="datawrapper-chart-rK4kU" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rK4kU/1/" style="border: none;" title="Countries with highest number of wild tigers" width="600"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(This is an interactive chart, please hover/click on it to get the figures)

<h2>Role of a tiger in the ecosystem</h2>

Tigers stand as ambassadors for preserving diverse habitats.&nbsp;

They defy limitations, thrive in a wide array of landscapes, from the snowy peaks of Uttarakhand to the mangroves of Bengal, and even the arid areas of Rajasthan's Ranthambore.&nbsp;

“In the name of tigers, we conserve various other forms of biodiversity that coexist within the same ecosystem,” Andheria told WION.

As apex predators, tigers play a crucial role in regulating the herbivore population within an ecosystem. Without tigers, the deer population would surge, leading to continuous grazing and overburdening the ecosystem. Consequently, tigers effectively control prey density, ensuring the stability of the habitat.

"If we hadn't conserved tigers or hadn't started Project Tiger in 1973, India would have lost almost 50 per cent of the forests that exist today, and we would have had a major pan-India water crisis by now. So, it's that important," Andheria noted.

Tigers, as sizeable carnivores, inhabit a total of 13 countries, all of which are located in Asia. Among these nations, India alone boasts nearly 75 per cent of the global tiger population.

With vast countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Russia, and more having habitats but very few tigers, India roars as the conservation champion, doing something truly remarkable, says Andheria.&nbsp;

<img alt="photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0272152-b78c-4f08-ae9c-1c409537ffa3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-07-29T000830.778.png" />

A Royal Bengal tiger resting along the river bed at Uttarakhand's Jim Corbett National Park. Photo: Wikimedia commons

In India, the higher density of human beings creates various pressures, which limits the drastic increase in tiger numbers, as the habitat remains constant in terms of area.

“It's not always the number of tigers that is important; what matters is whether the population growth is reasonable. We should not only focus on 2018 and 2022 but also look back to 2006 when there were only 1411 tigers in India. &nbsp;From 2006 to 2022, we have more than doubled the tiger population, thanks to efforts such as patrolling, community involvement, cracking down on illegal wildlife trade, and motivating forest guards,” adds Andheria.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/on-global-tiger-day-watch-these-documentaries-on-discovery-620346">On Global Tiger Day, watch these documentaries on discovery+</a>

<h2>Importance of tiger corridors&nbsp;</h2>

The term "corridor" is often used loosely, but its primary significance lies in serving as a conduit between two tiger breeding populations. Tigers utilise riparian tracks for their movement. A corridor is intentionally designed to facilitate the seamless movement of tigers from one habitat to another, noted&nbsp;Andheria.&nbsp;

Surprisingly, among India's 53 tiger reserves, not a single one has an adequate number of breeding females to ensure the long-term stability of the tiger population.

“These parks need at least 20 female tigers of breeding age to maintain a healthy reproduction rate (a number derived through mathematical methods). The only way to ensure the stability of the tiger population is by connecting reserves with less than 20 female breeding tigers to another population that also has less than 20 female breeding tigers through a corridor, effectively uniting them as one. This facilitates both genetic transfer and population stability if the corridor maintains good quality,” said Andheria.

<h2>Chart shows the total number of tigers in India from 2006-2022</h2>

(This is an interactive chart, please hover/click on it to get the figures)

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The threats faced by tigers outside tiger reserves are massive. To ensure stable tiger populations, it is equally crucial to secure the safety of corridors, just as it is essential to protect the tiger reserves, he adds.&nbsp;

Based on the data, states that have excelled are the ones where the corridors are in good condition.

<h2>‘Rare black’ tigers of Similipal in decline</h2>

In the Similipal Tiger Reserve, there exists a remarkable find: Bengal big cats with a gene mutation that causes a rare melanistic trait, characterised by their distinct dark stripe patterns.&nbsp;

<img alt="image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62b98892-5630-4885-8321-b08495bb3a49" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-07-28T235716.244.png" />

The 'rare black' tiger found only in Similipal tiger reserve in India. Photo: Mongabay

A 2021 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that tigers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, located in eastern India, are isolated with limited gene flow to other tiger populations.

As per the results of the 2022 tiger census, tiger populations in this region are declining due to extensive human disturbance. The Similipal area is significantly affected by human habitation, with several villages right in the heart of the reserve. Rampant hunting, a reduced prey base, and a large number of cattle holdings contribute to the issue as well, particularly when cattle are left for grazing in the reserve.&nbsp;

“Furthermore, the tigers in Similipal have maintained their isolated status, indicating the lack of connectivity to other tiger reserves. This suggests that there are insufficient neighbouring reserves to support the movement of tigers in and out of Similipal,” explained Andheria.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the status of Rajasthan's Sariska national park?</h2>

In 2005, Sariska lost all its tigers, leading to the formation of a special committee with environmental activist Sunita Narain at the helm, eventually becoming the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).&nbsp;

Tigers were later reintroduced from Ranthambore, and though they started breeding, Sariska continues to face challenges, with over 30 villages still present within the core tiger zone.&nbsp;

<img alt="photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9d8fd6a-a3e4-475e-8a6b-4b6cb5a53ea9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-07-29T001746.930.png" />

Tiger sighting at Rajasthan's Sariska. Photo: Twitter/@AlokRanjanIAS

Despite endeavours to augment tiger density through Project Tiger, "Sariska has not realised its full potential as a significant breeding habitat," unlike Panna National Park. Panna faced a similar fate as Sariska in 2007-2008 but rebounded with 55 tigers almost a decade ago, boasting no villages within its core area, said Andheria.

<h2>Western Ghats losing tigers?</h2>

Tiger populations have decreased around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-minister-in-kerala-govt-slammed-over-tiger-culling-remark-says-report-554204">Kerala's</a>&nbsp;Wayanad region, where a significant constituency is advocating for tiger hunting or removal, unlike Karnataka, which is performing better. The high-altitude Western Ghats area also experiences lower tiger numbers due to reduced prey density. In contrast, grasslands with more deer have a higher tiger population, while areas with fewer prey animals see fluctuating tiger populations.&nbsp;

<img alt="image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b1e017c-2db6-4e8d-9ba5-2ea37bc8a97a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2879%29.jpg" />

The residents of the Cheeral area in Wayanad express their agitation and calling for measures to capture the elusive tiger. Photo: The Hindu

“Although some parts of the Western Ghats show a declining tiger population, the overall performance in the Western Ghats is satisfactory,” notes Andheria.&nbsp;

<h2>What should&nbsp;India’s game plan be?</h2>

Andheria suggests that India should step away from solely prioritising numbers and, instead, incentivise and commend states that have achieved success in tiger conservation. Valuable practices can be borrowed and adopted from these well-performing states as lessons for improvement.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-now-has-over-3167-tigers-581146/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

“The government cannot prevent the poor from venturing into the forest for subsistence. Instead, they need to provide them with alternative income sources that do not rely on the forest,” he added.&nbsp;

Moreover, to effectively and promptly mitigate animal-human conflict, the forest department should secure additional funding, address understaffing by filling vacancies and work in tandem with local communities that live within these core tiger zones.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Roaring into the headlines in 2022, the government of India released a tiger census report containing some remarkable findings. The report revealed that the tiger population in India had reached 3,167, showing a notable increase of about 6.

Roaring into the headlines in 2022, the government of India released a tiger census report containing some remarkable findings. The report revealed that the tiger population in India had reached 3,167, showing a notable increase of about 6.7 per cent compared to the last census in 2018, which had reported 2,967 tigers. During the report's unveiling, PM Modi said that India stands apart from other tiger-range countries as its tiger numbers continue to grow. He attributed this positive trend to the long-standing coexistence of people and wildlife in the country. Undoubtedly, the report warrants celebration, but the need to holistically understand these numbers is pivotal. To do that, WION spoke to Dr Anish Andheria, India’s leading wildlife expert and the President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust. The report is a clear indicator of India’s positive stride in conservation over the years, but there are a few problem areas that need some attention. But, firstly a bit on the role of a tiger in the ecosystem. × (This is an interactive chart, please hover/click on it to get the figures) Role of a tiger in the ecosystem Tigers stand as ambassadors for preserving diverse habitats. They defy limitations, thrive in a wide array of landscapes, from the snowy peaks of Uttarakhand to the mangroves of Bengal, and even the arid areas of Rajasthan's Ranthambore. “In the name of tigers, we conserve various other forms of biodiversity that coexist within the same ecosystem,” Andheria told WION. As apex predators, tigers play a crucial role in regulating the herbivore population within an ecosystem. Without tigers, the deer population would surge, leading to continuous grazing and overburdening the ecosystem. Consequently, tigers effectively control prey density, ensuring the stability of the habitat. "If we hadn't conserved tigers or hadn't started Project Tiger in 1973, India would have lost almost 50 per cent of the forests that exist today, and we would have had a major pan-India water crisis by now. So, it's that important," Andheria noted. Tigers, as sizeable carnivores, inhabit a total of 13 countries, all of which are located in Asia. Among these nations, India alone boasts nearly 75 per cent of the global tiger population. With vast countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Russia, and more having habitats but very few tigers, India roars as the conservation champion, doing something truly remarkable, says Andheria. A Royal Bengal tiger resting along the river bed at Uttarakhand's Jim Corbett National Park. Photo: Wikimedia commons In India, the higher density of human beings creates various pressures, which limits the drastic increase in tiger numbers, as the habitat remains constant in terms of area. “It's not always the number of tigers that is important; what matters is whether the population growth is reasonable. We should not only focus on 2018 and 2022 but also look back to 2006 when there were only 1411 tigers in India. From 2006 to 2022, we have more than doubled the tiger population, thanks to efforts such as patrolling, community involvement, cracking down on illegal wildlife trade, and motivating forest guards,” adds Andheria. Also read | On Global Tiger Day, watch these documentaries on discovery+ Importance of tiger corridors The term "corridor" is often used loosely, but its primary significance lies in serving as a conduit between two tiger breeding populations. Tigers utilise riparian tracks for their movement. A corridor is intentionally designed to facilitate the seamless movement of tigers from one habitat to another, noted Andheria. Surprisingly, among India's 53 tiger reserves, not a single one has an adequate number of breeding females to ensure the long-term stability of the tiger population. “These parks need at least 20 female tigers of breeding age to maintain a healthy reproduction rate (a number derived through mathematical methods). The only way to ensure the stability of the tiger population is by connecting reserves with less than 20 female breeding tigers to another population that also has less than 20 female breeding tigers through a corridor, effectively uniting them as one. This facilitates both genetic transfer and population stability if the corridor maintains good quality,” said Andheria. Chart shows the total number of tigers in India from 2006-2022 (This is an interactive chart, please hover/click on it to get the figures) × The threats faced by tigers outside tiger reserves are massive. To ensure stable tiger populations, it is equally crucial to secure the safety of corridors, just as it is essential to protect the tiger reserves, he adds. Based on the data, states that have excelled are the ones where the corridors are in good condition. ‘Rare black’ tigers of Similipal in decline In the Similipal Tiger Reserve, there exists a remarkable find: Bengal big cats with a gene mutation that causes a rare melanistic trait, characterised by their distinct dark stripe patterns. The 'rare black' tiger found only in Similipal tiger reserve in India. Photo: Mongabay A 2021 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that tigers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, located in eastern India, are isolated with limited gene flow to other tiger populations. As per the results of the 2022 tiger census, tiger populations in this region are declining due to extensive human disturbance. The Similipal area is significantly affected by human habitation, with several villages right in the heart of the reserve. Rampant hunting, a reduced prey base, and a large number of cattle holdings contribute to the issue as well, particularly when cattle are left for grazing in the reserve. “Furthermore, the tigers in Similipal have maintained their isolated status, indicating the lack of connectivity to other tiger reserves. This suggests that there are insufficient neighbouring reserves to support the movement of tigers in and out of Similipal,” explained Andheria. What is the status of Rajasthan's Sariska national park? In 2005, Sariska lost all its tigers, leading to the formation of a special committee with environmental activist Sunita Narain at the helm, eventually becoming the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Tigers were later reintroduced from Ranthambore, and though they started breeding, Sariska continues to face challenges, with over 30 villages still present within the core tiger zone. Tiger sighting at Rajasthan's Sariska. Photo: Twitter/@AlokRanjanIAS Despite endeavours to augment tiger density through Project Tiger, "Sariska has not realised its full potential as a significant breeding habitat," unlike Panna National Park. Panna faced a similar fate as Sariska in 2007-2008 but rebounded with 55 tigers almost a decade ago, boasting no villages within its core area, said Andheria. Western Ghats losing tigers? Tiger populations have decreased around Kerala's Wayanad region, where a significant constituency is advocating for tiger hunting or removal, unlike Karnataka, which is performing better. The high-altitude Western Ghats area also experiences lower tiger numbers due to reduced prey density. In contrast, grasslands with more deer have a higher tiger population, while areas with fewer prey animals see fluctuating tiger populations. The residents of the Cheeral area in Wayanad express their agitation and calling for measures to capture the elusive tiger. Photo: The Hindu “Although some parts of the Western Ghats show a declining tiger population, the overall performance in the Western Ghats is satisfactory,” notes Andheria. What should India’s game plan be? Andheria suggests that India should step away from solely prioritising numbers and, instead, incentivise and commend states that have achieved success in tiger conservation. Valuable practices can be borrowed and adopted from these well-performing states as lessons for improvement. “The government cannot prevent the poor from venturing into the forest for subsistence. Instead, they need to provide them with alternative income sources that do not rely on the forest,” he added. Moreover, to effectively and promptly mitigate animal-human conflict, the forest department should secure additional funding, address understaffing by filling vacancies and work in tandem with local communities that live within these core tiger zones. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab | India houses 75% of the world’s tigers, but let's not get fixated on numbers

International Tiger Day 2023: International Tiger Day is observed annually on July 29 to raise awareness in the world for tiger conservation. It was first observed in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. The day aims to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.&nbsp;

<h2>International Tiger Day 2023: History</h2>

International Tiger Day was established in 2010, at a time when an alarming revelation that 97 per cent of wild tigers had vanished since the beginning of the 20th century surfaced. The 13 tiger range nations banded together to join Tx2, to increase the tiger population from 3,200 to at least 6,000 tigers.

<h2>International Tiger Day 2023: Significance</h2>

International Tiger Day holds significant importance in raising awareness about the critical issues surrounding tiger conservation. Tigers, classified as endangered in various regions, face grave threats to their existence, such as habitat loss and poaching. Here are some key reasons why this day plays a vital role in advocating for tiger protection:

Curbing illegal wildlife trade

International Tiger Day helps reduce demand for tiger products, contributing to the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Ecological balance

Tigers serve as top predators in their ecosystems, playing a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey species populations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-houses-75-of-the-worlds-tigers-but-lets-not-get-fixated-on-the-numbers-620409">Data Lab | India houses 75% of the world’s tigers, but let's not get fixated on the numbers</a>

Addressing declining population

The day highlights the alarming decline in tiger populations over the past century, emphasizing the urgency to take action to reverse this trend.

Encouraging responsible tourism

The day promotes responsible tourism practices that prioritize wildlife protection and conservation.

<h2>International Tiger Day 2023: What is Project Tiger?</h2>

Project Tiger, an ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme, was launched by the Government of India on 1 April 1973 in nine reserves of different States Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal over an area of approximately 14,000 sq. km.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/medieval-seal-that-can-help-fast-track-a-persons-entry-into-heaven-to-put-on-display-in-uk-620365">Medieval seal that can help fast track a person's entry into heaven to put on display in UK</a>

This project aims to sustain a significant tiger population based on the scientifically calculated capacity of habitats while maintaining a balance between development and wildlife conservation.

Initially, the project covered nine tiger reserves spread over 18,278 sq km. Now, the project includes 53 tiger reserves sprawling over around 75,000 sq km of the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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International Tiger Day 2023: International Tiger Day is observed annually on July 29 to raise awareness in the world for tiger conservation. It was first observed in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia.

International Tiger Day 2023: International Tiger Day is observed annually on July 29 to raise awareness in the world for tiger conservation. It was first observed in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. The day aims to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues. International Tiger Day 2023: History International Tiger Day was established in 2010, at a time when an alarming revelation that 97 per cent of wild tigers had vanished since the beginning of the 20th century surfaced. The 13 tiger range nations banded together to join Tx2, to increase the tiger population from 3,200 to at least 6,000 tigers. International Tiger Day 2023: Significance International Tiger Day holds significant importance in raising awareness about the critical issues surrounding tiger conservation. Tigers, classified as endangered in various regions, face grave threats to their existence, such as habitat loss and poaching. Here are some key reasons why this day plays a vital role in advocating for tiger protection: Curbing illegal wildlife trade International Tiger Day helps reduce demand for tiger products, contributing to the fight against illegal wildlife trade. Ecological balance Tigers serve as top predators in their ecosystems, playing a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey species populations. Also Read | Data Lab | India houses 75% of the world’s tigers, but let's not get fixated on the numbers Addressing declining population The day highlights the alarming decline in tiger populations over the past century, emphasizing the urgency to take action to reverse this trend. Encouraging responsible tourism The day promotes responsible tourism practices that prioritize wildlife protection and conservation. International Tiger Day 2023: What is Project Tiger? Project Tiger, an ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme, was launched by the Government of India on 1 April 1973 in nine reserves of different States Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal over an area of approximately 14,000 sq. km. Also Read | Medieval seal that can help fast track a person's entry into heaven to put on display in UK This project aims to sustain a significant tiger population based on the scientifically calculated capacity of habitats while maintaining a balance between development and wildlife conservation. Initially, the project covered nine tiger reserves spread over 18,278 sq km. Now, the project includes 53 tiger reserves sprawling over around 75,000 sq km of the region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

International Tiger Day 2023: History, significance and what is India' Project Tiger

Tigers are making a spectacular return in Nepal. From 121 big cats in 2010, their population have more than doubled to 355 in 2022, according to the December census unveiled by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at a programme to mark International Tiger Day in Kathmandu on Friday.

With this, Nepal has not only managed to pull off an extraordinary feat, it has also managed to achieve the goal of doubling its tiger population by 2022 as per its commitment, along with 12 other tiger range countries, in the first tiger summit in 2010 in St Petersburg.

Nepal at the time had committed to increase the tiger population to 250 by 2022.

Notably, Nepal is the first of the 13 tiger range countries to release its tiger population figures ahead of the summit due to take place in Vladivostok, eastern Russia, in September, where global conservation efforts of these countries would be evaluated.

A combination of factors has helped the Himalayan country to get to this achievement. According to BBC, Nepal's zero-poaching approach has worked wonders to protect the tigers. The military units have been supporting the national park teams, and in buffer zones next to the park, community anti-poaching units have been monitoring nature corridors that allow tigers to roam safely.

According to the new census, Chitwan National Park now has 128 tigers from 93 earlier, Bardia National Park has 125 from 87 earlier, Banke National Park has 25 and Shuklaphanta National Park has 36 and Parsa National Park has 41, reports the Kathmandu Post.

Though ecological experts have welcomed the spike in tiger numbers, they have also expressed concerns over sustaining them&nbsp;in a habitable environment while averting human-tiger conflict, which has increased in recent years.

According to the Kathmandu-based newspaper, there have been 104 tiger attacks inside protected areas in the last three years, in which 62 people have been killed.

“People are now seeing and encountering tigers everywhere, so cases of tiger-human conflict are increasing. This indicates that the tiger population is almost at a maximum level in Nepal. We are a small country. This increase is a new challenge for the government. Now we need to show tigers and people can coexist,” Shiv Raj Bhatta, a conservation programme director at WWF Nepal, told The Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tigers are making a spectacular return in Nepal. From 121 big cats in 2010, their population have more than doubled to 355 in 2022, according to the December census unveiled by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at a programme to mark International Tiger Day in Kathmandu on Friday.

Tigers are making a spectacular return in Nepal. From 121 big cats in 2010, their population have more than doubled to 355 in 2022, according to the December census unveiled by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at a programme to mark International Tiger Day in Kathmandu on Friday. With this, Nepal has not only managed to pull off an extraordinary feat, it has also managed to achieve the goal of doubling its tiger population by 2022 as per its commitment, along with 12 other tiger range countries, in the first tiger summit in 2010 in St Petersburg. Nepal at the time had committed to increase the tiger population to 250 by 2022. Notably, Nepal is the first of the 13 tiger range countries to release its tiger population figures ahead of the summit due to take place in Vladivostok, eastern Russia, in September, where global conservation efforts of these countries would be evaluated. A combination of factors has helped the Himalayan country to get to this achievement. According to BBC, Nepal's zero-poaching approach has worked wonders to protect the tigers. The military units have been supporting the national park teams, and in buffer zones next to the park, community anti-poaching units have been monitoring nature corridors that allow tigers to roam safely. According to the new census, Chitwan National Park now has 128 tigers from 93 earlier, Bardia National Park has 125 from 87 earlier, Banke National Park has 25 and Shuklaphanta National Park has 36 and Parsa National Park has 41, reports the Kathmandu Post. Though ecological experts have welcomed the spike in tiger numbers, they have also expressed concerns over sustaining them in a habitable environment while averting human-tiger conflict, which has increased in recent years. According to the Kathmandu-based newspaper, there have been 104 tiger attacks inside protected areas in the last three years, in which 62 people have been killed. “People are now seeing and encountering tigers everywhere, so cases of tiger-human conflict are increasing. This indicates that the tiger population is almost at a maximum level in Nepal. We are a small country. This increase is a new challenge for the government. Now we need to show tigers and people can coexist,” Shiv Raj Bhatta, a conservation programme director at WWF Nepal, told The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nepal makes a 'roaring' comeback: Tiger’s population more than doubles in 10 years

India is the land of tigers. More than 70 percent of the world's tiger population is now found in India but this was not the case a few years ago as India also witnessed a massive drop in its big cats population, however, thanks to the efforts by the Project Tiger, the population of India's national animal has now grown significantly.

International Tiger Day: India has 70% of world's Tiger population | World News

International Tiger Day is a global celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation and is held annually on July 29. Actor, producer and champion for nature, Dia Mirza is acutely aware of the connection between habitat preservation and tiger conservation and since 2018, has planted over 8313 trees in tiger habitats including Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Ramtek in Maharashtra and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal.

In 2016, she also directed and produced # KidsForTigers, a Public Service film on International Tiger Day, &nbsp;to involve the future generation in conservation initiatives. &nbsp;

Dia says, “We need to do more than just exchange platitudes about this magnificent and endangered big cat because its habitats &nbsp;continue to shrink and the global tiger population seems to be in perpetual decline. It is heartening that in India, the tiger population has grown but because of human-animal conflict, this success story is at peril. We do not seem to understand that continuous threats to wildlife habitats will undermine any conservation work for tigers.

This year’s theme, “Their survival is in our hands” could not be more relevant. It is time to be part of the solution and actually save our national animal and to understand that we cannot save the tiger without saving our diverse forests. Without protecting biodiversity ranging from tigers to termites, butterflies to bears, we cannot in the end protect ourselves as a race."&nbsp;

Dia Mirza has been a vocal advocate for wildlife and environment for decades. Be it adopting two leopard cubs in 2010, speaking up for snow leopards or leading the movement against single-use plastics to protect marine life, she has tried to shift perceptions and spread awareness about issues that do not get enough attention. She says, “Obstruction of &nbsp;forest corridors, incessant mining activities, rampant deforestation are making it impossible for tigers to co-exist with humankind.That is why I work with tireless change makers like Bittu Sehgal who has founded Sanctuary Nature Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization that, among other things, also does habitat management.”

In compliance with her eco-sensitive ideology, Dia also eschews the practice of giving meaningless gifts and instead plants trees via social organisation Grow-Trees.com. Says Dia, “ Tiger is an apex predator and a metaphor for all Nature and for that resaon among many others, we must secure our forests and ensure that animal corridors between habitats are not disconnected. Let us please also remember that tiger forests are the birthing grounds for over 300 rivers in India and so their protection is linked to our survival."

Over the years Dia has also travelled to wildlife habitats including the Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to see first hand how the restoration of water sources and natural vegetation helps tigers and other wild animals to thrive. She concludes, “Highways at the expense of trees, settlements within protected zones, and non-inclusive development are all self-defeating in the end. It is time to dial back this greed and not advance it." 
&nbsp;

International Tiger Day is a global celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation and is held annually on July 29. Actor, producer and champion for nature, Dia Mirza is acutely aware of the connection between habitat preservation and tiger conservation and since 2018, has planted over 8313 trees in tiger habitats including Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Ramtek in Maharashtra and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal.

International Tiger Day is a global celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation and is held annually on July 29. Actor, producer and champion for nature, Dia Mirza is acutely aware of the connection between habitat preservation and tiger conservation and since 2018, has planted over 8313 trees in tiger habitats including Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Ramtek in Maharashtra and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. In 2016, she also directed and produced # KidsForTigers, a Public Service film on International Tiger Day, to involve the future generation in conservation initiatives. Dia says, “We need to do more than just exchange platitudes about this magnificent and endangered big cat because its habitats continue to shrink and the global tiger population seems to be in perpetual decline. It is heartening that in India, the tiger population has grown but because of human-animal conflict, this success story is at peril. We do not seem to understand that continuous threats to wildlife habitats will undermine any conservation work for tigers. This year’s theme, “Their survival is in our hands” could not be more relevant. It is time to be part of the solution and actually save our national animal and to understand that we cannot save the tiger without saving our diverse forests. Without protecting biodiversity ranging from tigers to termites, butterflies to bears, we cannot in the end protect ourselves as a race." Dia Mirza has been a vocal advocate for wildlife and environment for decades. Be it adopting two leopard cubs in 2010, speaking up for snow leopards or leading the movement against single-use plastics to protect marine life, she has tried to shift perceptions and spread awareness about issues that do not get enough attention. She says, “Obstruction of forest corridors, incessant mining activities, rampant deforestation are making it impossible for tigers to co-exist with humankind.That is why I work with tireless change makers like Bittu Sehgal who has founded Sanctuary Nature Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization that, among other things, also does habitat management.” In compliance with her eco-sensitive ideology, Dia also eschews the practice of giving meaningless gifts and instead plants trees via social organisation Grow-Trees.com. Says Dia, “ Tiger is an apex predator and a metaphor for all Nature and for that resaon among many others, we must secure our forests and ensure that animal corridors between habitats are not disconnected. Let us please also remember that tiger forests are the birthing grounds for over 300 rivers in India and so their protection is linked to our survival." Over the years Dia has also travelled to wildlife habitats including the Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to see first hand how the restoration of water sources and natural vegetation helps tigers and other wild animals to thrive. She concludes, “Highways at the expense of trees, settlements within protected zones, and non-inclusive development are all self-defeating in the end. It is time to dial back this greed and not advance it."

It is time to stop exchanging platitudes and save our national animal: Dia Mirza on International Tiger Day

Tigers are one of the most beautiful beasts in nature. Every year, July 29 is observed as International Tiger Day with an aim to increase awareness about the need to conserve the majestic big cat, which is a keystone species.

International Tiger Day 2020: India's story of successful conservation of top carnivorous

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