India Now Home to 75% of the World’s Tigers, Population Doubles in a Decade

India has emerged as the largest habitat for tigers globally, now hosting 75% of the world’s total tiger population. Over the past decade, the country has successfully doubled its tiger numbers, a significant achievement driven by strict anti-poaching measures, habitat conservation, environmental protections, and reduced human-wildlife conflict.

Tiger Population Rises to 3,682
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), India's tiger population has surged from 1,706 in 2010 to 3,682 in 2022. This remarkable increase highlights India’s commitment to tiger conservation and its success in preserving biodiversity.

Expanding Tiger Habitats
Tigers are now spread across 1.38 lakh square kilometers in India. However, only 25% of this area is fully protected, emphasizing the need for further conservation efforts.

Challenges and the Need for Better Strategies
While the increase in tiger numbers is a success, it has also led to new challenges, including:
•    Rising human-tiger conflicts due to tigers straying into human settlements.
•    Shrinking tiger habitats caused by urbanization and deforestation.
•    Ensuring adequate prey availability to sustain the growing population.
Experts suggest that conservation strategies should involve local communities and integrate them into protection and coexistence programs. Additionally, better landscape management and ecological corridors between protected areas are essential to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.

A Model for Global Conservation
India’s efforts in tiger conservation have set a global benchmark, demonstrating how policy measures, scientific research, and community involvement can help revive endangered species. As the tiger population continues to grow, adaptive strategies will be crucial to ensure their long-term survival while maintaining a balance with human needs.