Do You Know?: India’s tiger population has surged by 200 in the last four years, reaching a total of 3,167 tigers, which now account for 3/4th of the global count.
For many years, the lion held the esteemed position of India’s national animal. It was declared so in 1969 by Vanyaji Gaur, reflecting the cultural significance and symbolism associated with this magnificent beast. However, on 18th November 1972, the Indian Board for Wildlife decided to make a change, and the Bengal Tiger was rightfully designated as India’s national animal. This decision marked a shift in the focus of wildlife conservation towards preserving the dwindling tiger population in the country.
Do you know?: The average lifespan of tigers in their natural habitat ranges from 10 to 15 years. However, on rare occasions or in human care, some tigers have been known to live up to 20 years.
Why Do We Celebrate International Tiger Day?
International Tiger Day, celebrated on July 29, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the majestic tiger species. In 2010, it was discovered that 97% of all wild tigers had vanished over the past century, leaving only around 3,000 of these magnificent creatures remaining. This dire situation prompted the inception of International Tiger Day during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia in the same year. Today, the focus on tiger conservation and protection remains as crucial as ever, with India playing a pivotal role in this global effort.
Do You Know?: Tiger attacks are relatively infrequent, causing around 40 to 50 human fatalities annually, while elephants are responsible for approximately 350 deaths each year.
India’s Role as the Guardian of Tigers:
India’s commitment to tiger conservation has been commendable, and the nation’s efforts have significantly contributed to the species’ survival. In 1973, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi initiated ‘Project Tiger,’ a pioneering conservation program launched in Jim Corbett Park, Uttarakhand, with the aim of protecting tigers from extinction.
Following that, the country’s tiger population has witnessed positive growth in recent years, with the 5th cycle of India’s Tiger Census revealing a count of 3,167 tigers in the wild as of 2022. Today, there are 54 tiger reserves in India governed by Project Tiger, which is administrated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Do you know?: NTCA reported that a total of 354 tigers died between 2020 and 2022, with 106 deaths in 2020, 127 in 2021, and 121 in 2022.
Nagpur- The Tiger Capital of India:
India is home to more than 70% of the world’s tigers, and the country’s conservation programs have been instrumental in bolstering tiger populations. However, Jammu and Kashmir have the lowest tiger population in India. In terms of tiger populations, Madhya Pradesh is at the top with 526 tigers, followed by Karnataka with 524 tigers. Nagpur, a city in the state of Maharashtra, has earned the title of “Tiger Capital of India”, as it serves as a vital gateway connecting numerous Tiger Reserves in India to the world.
Do you know?: Lionesses, or female lions, have the ability to give birth to cubs throughout the year, typically starting at the age of 3 or 4 years. The duration of their pregnancy lasts approximately 110 to 120 days.
A Journey from Peril to Preservation:
Sadly, tigers have a long history of being hunted on a large scale during the early 19th and 20th centuries, leading to a sharp decline in their numbers. Over 80,000 tigers were slaughtered in just 50 years from 1875 to 1925 in British-ruled India. The tiger skins trade further exacerbated their plight, but international conservation efforts, starting in the 1960s, helped curb this practice.
Do you know?: In 1977, the value of tiger skin in an English market was estimated to be $4,250.
Tiger Subspecies and Variants:
Tigers inhabit 13 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They come in various subspecies, each with distinct characteristics and comprise nine subspecies, with three extinct. The remaining six are the Bengal, Indo-Chinese, South China, Amur, Siberian and Sumatran tigers. The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, is the largest, with males weighing up to 660 pounds and measuring up to 10 feet long from nose to tail. On the other hand, the Sumatran tiger is the smallest of the subspecies, maxing out at around 310 pounds and 8 feet in length. Additionally, there are rare colour variants like the white, golden, and nearly stripeless snow-white tigers, now mostly seen in captivity.
Do you know?: Male lions take the first opportunity to eat at a kill, while the females and cubs patiently wait for their turn.
Tigers versus Lions:
The debate over the superiority of tigers and lions has been long-standing. While both are formidable predators, scientists suggest that in a fight between a Bengal tiger and an African lion, the tiger would have a 90% chance of winning. Tigers are slightly faster, more agile, and generally 8% heavier and 5% taller than lions. Tigers are known for their incredible strength and power, capable of delivering crushing blows with a force of up to 10,000 pounds.
Do you know?: Lions can run at speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour, while tigers can achieve slightly faster speeds, reaching up to 55 miles per hour.
The Legend of the Champawat Tiger:
One of the most infamous tigers in history was the Champawat Tiger, a Bengal Tigress responsible for a staggering number of human fatalities. Her attacks claimed an estimated 436 lives in Nepal and the Kumaon division of India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes her as the animal responsible for the highest number of human deaths.
Do you know?: Champawat Tiger was hunted down and killed by the 31-year-old legendary hunter Jim Corbett in 1907.
Conclusion:
The story of tigers in India is one of struggle, survival, and hope. From being hunted mercilessly to being championed for conservation, the journey of these majestic creatures is a testament to the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity. With India leading the way in tiger conservation, we can hope that these iconic animals will continue to thrive and roam our forests for generations to come. International Tiger Day reminds us that saving the tiger is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a crucial step in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems and preserving the planet’s natural heritage. So, let us continue to raise awareness, take action, and work together to ensure that tigers do not become just characters in stories but continue to live and thrive in the wild.
Do you know?: Male lions take the first opportunity to eat at a kill, while the females and cubs patiently wait for their turn.
Photo Credits: Rajkumar
