The tiger population in India was 3,167 in 2022, as per the latest tiger census data released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bandipur on Sunday. This is an increase of 6.74% from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 now.
The announcement coincides with Modi's arrival at Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamrajnagar, Mysuru to mark the 50 years of 'Project Tiger'.
According to the data, the tiger population stood at 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022. The number of tiger reserves has increased from 28 in 2006 to 51 today.
While inaugurating the commemoration of 50 years of 'Project Tiger', Modi said the success of 'Project Tiger' is a matter of pride not only for India but for the whole world. "Project Tiger leads the way in the protection and conservation of big cats. It is part of Indian culture to protect nature. The success of Project Tiger is a matter of pride not only for India but for the whole world. India has completed 75 years of independence; and at the same time, 75% of the world's tiger population is in India," Modi said.
Calling it an important milestone, the Prime Minister said India has not only saved the tiger but has also given it an excellent ecosystem to flourish.
While hailing the strong conservation management in India, Modi said the efforts have resulted in a 29% increase in the Lion population in Gujarat, While it was 523 in 2015, it was 674 in 2020. The widely distributed Leopard population has seen an increase of about 63% (from 7,910 in 2014 to 12,852 in 2018).
Modi also hailed the Cheetah translocation project, stating that India has reversed a historic wrong of the extinction of Cheetah.
"Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful trans-continental translocation of the big cat," he added.
He also launched the 'International Big Cat Alliance' (IBCA), an outfit that will focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world -- Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah, with the membership of the range countries harbouring these species.
The Prime Minister also released a booklet 'Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision', presenting the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years. A summary report of the All India Tiger Estimate (5th cycle) and a commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger were also released at the occasion.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Mysuru. After interacting with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation efforts, he tweeted: "Spent the morning at the scenic Bandipur Tiger Reserve and got a glimpse of India's wildlife, natural beauty and diversity."
The Prime Minister also visited the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve where he met mahouts and 'kavadis' of the elephant camp. Upon his arrival, the PM was accorded a welcome by the pachyderms and he fed sugarcane to some of the elephants. A video of the Prime Minister feeding the elephant at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp also surfaced online.
The Prime Minister also met Bomman and Bellie, the couple who featured in the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers'. He later hailed the documentary stating that it reflected the legacy of the wonderful relationship between nature and creatures.
