🐅 India's tiger population is roaring back – doubled in twelve years

🐅 India's tiger population is roaring back – doubled in twelve years

India has increased its tiger population from 1,706 to 3,682 tigers between 2010 and 2022. The country is now home to 75 percent of the world's wild tigers. Local communities benefit from ecotourism linked to the tigers.

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  • India has increased its tiger population from 1,706 to 3,682 tigers between 2010 and 2022.
  • The country is now home to 75 percent of the world's wild tigers.
  • Local communities benefit from ecotourism linked to the tigers.

Successful conservation strategy

India's work to protect tigers from poaching and habitat loss has led to a doubling of the population in twelve years. The new study, published in the journal Science, shows that the number of tigers increased from an estimated 1,706 tigers in 2010 to 3,682 tigers in 2022.

According to Yadvendradev Jhala, lead author of the study and researcher at the Indian National Academy of Sciences in Bengaluru, it is people's attitudes rather than population density that determines the success of tiger conservation. Local communities have received economic benefits through increased ecotourism in areas where tigers live.

Strong legislation as foundation

Tigers live in an area of 138,200 square kilometers in India, equivalent to the size of New York state. Of this area, 25 percent is protected and rich in prey. An additional 45 percent of tiger habitats are shared with approximately 60 million people.

Strong wildlife protection legislation forms the basis for tiger conservation in India. The study shows that tigers have disappeared in areas far from national parks and other protected areas, as well as in areas with increased urbanization and higher use of forest resources.

Quality over quantity

Jhala explains that it is not the lack of habitat that limits the tiger population, but the quality of the habitats. The success is built on several factors: protection against poaching, ensuring sufficient prey, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts, and improved living conditions for communities near tiger areas.

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