Behind India’s tiger story

A tiger sighting in the wild is always a moment of wonder. But witnessing nine tiger cubs over nine days at Ranthambore National Park is a rare privilege, which I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing. Nestled in the Rajasthani wilderness, Ranthambore has long been a stronghold for the Royal Bengal tiger, with each tiger carrying a unique story of resilience. But Ranthambore is just one chapter in India’s remarkable tiger conservation story marked by incredible successes and persistent challenges.

India is home to over 70 per cent of the world’s wild tiger population, with an estimated 3,600 tigers spread across over 50 reserves. From the dense mangroves of the Sundarbans to the lush forests of Corbett Tiger Reserve and the sprawling landscapes of Kanha and Bandhavgarh, each reserve presents a different challenge and opportunity for conservation. While Ranthambore offers the thrill of sightings in a dry, open terrain, the Sundarbans test the resilience of tigers in tidal swamps, where they have adapted to swimming vast distances.

Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, India’s first national park and a crucial part of Project Tiger since its inception in 1973, has one of the highest tiger densities in the country. Madhya Pradesh, often called the ‘Tiger State of India’, boasts reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench, which significantly contribute to the tiger population’s recovery. Down south, Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka, along with Periyar in Kerala, stand as pillars of conservation, demonstrating how varied landscapes across India have successfully housed and nurtured the Royal Bengal tiger.

Project Tiger began a determined effort to save tigers from extinction. The initiative, strict anti-poaching measures, and habitat preservation have led to a significant increase in tiger numbers—from 1,411 in 2006 to over 3,600 today. This results from decades of dedication from forest officials, wildlife experts, and local communities.

Challenges 

Despite the rise in numbers, tiger conservation in India is fraught with challenges. The rapid expansion of human settlements, deforestation and infrastructure development have led to habitat fragmentation, restricting the free movement of tigers and increasing the risk of inbreeding. Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial, as isolated tiger populations could face long-term health risks. In states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, human-wildlife conflicts have escalated as tigers stray beyond their protected areas in search of food and territory. This has led to rising tensions with local communities. In January 2025 alone, Maharashtra reported the deaths of eight tigers, with causes including retaliatory killings by villagers and accidents such as train collisions and poisoning.

A key challenge remains the loss of natural prey. Habitat degradation often results in declining herbivore populations, forcing tigers to venture into human settlements. According to a report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), over 300 human fatalities were reported between 2019 and 2023 due to tiger attacks, with retributive killings following close behind. In such areas, the construction of secure wildlife corridors is essential. India has made some strides with projects like the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam corridor and the Kanha-Pench corridor, but many regions lack adequate connectivity, restricting tiger movement.

Poaching is a persistent concern. While anti-poaching units have intensified efforts, with over 250 poachers arrested between 2012 and 2022, the demand for tiger parts in illegal markets is a major threat. A 2022 TRAFFIC report indicated that at least 150 tiger carcasses were seized per year over the past two decades, suggesting that stronger cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries is needed to combat wildlife trafficking.

Balancing growth and conservation

While Project Tiger has been instrumental in protecting core tiger habitats, buffer zones often lack stringent enforcement. Reports suggest that up to 30% of buffer zone forests are encroached upon for agriculture, mining, and infrastructure projects. This reduces available habitat and increases human-tiger interactions. Additionally, inadequate compensation schemes for farmers who lose livestock to tiger attacks often lead to resentment against conservation efforts.

India’s conservation efforts are increasingly data-driven, incorporating technology to track and protect tigers. AI-powered camera traps, GPS collars and drone surveillance are being deployed across reserves to monitor tiger movements and prevent poaching. Government policies have also evolved. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) continues to refine its strategies, focusing on wildlife corridors, stricter anti-poaching measures, and habitat restoration. However, balancing economic growth with conservation remains challenging, as new infrastructure projects often clash with conservation goals.

Ecotourism can also be a double-edged sword. While tourism generates significant revenue for reserves and local communities, unregulated tourism can lead to habitat degradation and stress for animals. Balancing between responsible tourism and conservation is crucial. Developing comprehensive management plans that involve local communities as stakeholders, promoting awareness and encouraging sustainable tourism are essential steps forward.

Despite these concerns, certain reserves continue to offer hope. Ranthambore, for instance, has seen a steady rise in tiger numbers—now home to 88 tigers, up from 69 in 2022. The park has gained international fame for its unique blend of history and wildlife, where tigers roam the ruins of ancient forts, making for dramatic and unforgettable visuals.

Each tiger in Ranthambore has a lineage deeply tied to the park's history. Take Riddhi, for example—a descendant of the legendary tigress Machli. Now the dominant tigress of zones three and four, Riddhi carries forward a legacy of strength and territorial dominance. Then there’s Arrowhead, once the undisputed queen of Ranthambore, now facing the challenges of age and injury while fiercely protecting her three cubs. Sultana, another dominant tigress, has made zone one her domain, raising her young despite the increasing human encroachment on the park’s fringes.

The role of naturalists, forest rangers, and conservationists in India’s tiger success story cannot be overstated. They work tirelessly to track, monitor, and protect tigers, balancing tourism, conservation and local livelihoods.

India must remain focused on strengthening laws against poaching, securing forest corridors, and promoting responsible tourism. Technology, such as camera traps, AI-based tracking, and community-based conservation models, will play a crucial role in the future of tiger conservation.