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Project Tiger is one of India’s most ambitious and successful wildlife conservation initiatives. Launched in 1973 to protect the country’s rapidly declining tiger population, it recognizes the tiger as a majestic species and a critical indicator of ecological health. The Indian government sought to establish a network of tiger reserves that would provide safe habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Before the launch of Project Tiger, India’s tiger population had plummeted to an alarming estimate of around 1,800–2,000 individuals. Through strategic conservation efforts, including habitat management, strict anti-poaching measures, and scientific monitoring, the program has facilitated a remarkable recovery. Today, India is home to over 3,000 wild tigers, making it the country with the largest tiger population in the world.
Beyond population recovery, Project Tiger has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about endangered species and promoting broader conservation initiatives nationwide. It underscores the importance of protecting ecosystems, ensuring biodiversity, and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The story of Project Tiger began in the early 1970s, when India faced a severe decline in tiger populations due to hunting, habitat loss, and poaching. By 1972, tiger numbers had dropped to around 1,800, prompting the Government of India to launch Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Spearheaded by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), with support from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments, the program initially covered nine reserves across nine states, including Corbett, Kanha, Manas, and Ranthambore.
Early challenges included human encroachment, insufficient funding, poaching, and conflicts with local communities. Despite these hurdles, Project Tiger laid the foundation for modern wildlife conservation in India, shifting focus from exploitation to preservation. Over the years, the project expanded, successfully increasing tiger populations and making India a global leader in tiger conservation.
Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation program initiated by the Government of India in 1973. Its primary objective is to protect the Bengal tiger from extinction by ensuring a viable population in its natural habitats and preserving areas of biological importance as a national heritage for the benefit of education and enjoyment of the people.
To achieve this, the project established a network of dedicated tiger reserves across India, which are managed with a “core-buffer” strategy. The core areas are kept free of all human activities to provide an exclusive and undisturbed habitat for tigers, while the buffer zones are managed for conservation-oriented land use. This initiative is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which not only focuses on protecting the tiger but also on preserving the entire ecosystem thse animals are a part of, highlighting the tiger’s role as a key indicator of a healthy forest.
By the early 1970s, the tiger population in India had reached a dangerously low point, with estimates suggesting fewer than 2,000 individuals left in the wild. Once widespread across the subcontinent, tigers had suffered a steep decline due to excessive hunting, habitat destruction, and unchecked poaching. Trophy hunting during colonial times, combined with increasing human pressure on forests, had pushed the species toward the edge of extinction.
One of the biggest threats was habitat loss. Expanding agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure projects fragmented tiger territories, reducing prey availability and safe breeding grounds. Poaching for skins, bones, and other body parts fueled an illegal international trade that further decimated populations. Weak enforcement of wildlife laws at the time made the problem even more severe.
The alarming situation demanded urgent government intervention. Thus, Project Tiger was launched in 1973 as a national-level mission to safeguard the species and ecosystem. The aim was to restore tiger numbers and protect entire forest landscapes, ensuring the survival of countless other species dependent on the same habitat.
Project Tiger was launched with a clear set of objectives aimed at reversing the decline of tiger populations and ensuring long-term ecological balance. The main goals can be summarized as follows:
To support these goals, the Indian government introduced several policies and frameworks. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provided the legal foundation for establishing tiger reserves. In 2006, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was formed to strengthen oversight and ensure effective implementation of conservation measures. Alongside, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) was set up to tackle poaching and illegal trade.
One of Project Tiger’s core strategies is the establishment of dedicated tiger reserves, which serve as safe havens for tigers and their ecosystems. A tiger reserve is a protected area created specifically for the conservation of tigers, comprising a core zone (strictly protected from human activity) and a buffer zone (where regulated, eco-friendly activities may take place). This dual structure allows wildlife protection and sustainable development for communities living near forests.
When the project began in 1973, only nine tiger reserves covered about 14,000 sq km. Today, the network has expanded to over 53 reserves across 18 states, covering more than 75,000 sq km, making it the largest tiger conservation effort in the world. These reserves protect tigers, safeguard other endangered species, and preserve vital ecosystems such as grasslands, wetlands, and tropical forests.
| Tiger Reserve | State | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Corbett | Uttarakhand | 1,318 |
| Ranthambore | Rajasthan | 1,334 |
| Kanha | Madhya Pradesh | 2,051 |
| Sundarbans | West Bengal | 2,584 |
| Bandhavgarh | Madhya Pradesh | 1,536 |
| Periyar | Kerala | 925 |
| Kaziranga | Assam | 1,173 |
| Nagarhole | Karnataka | 1,195 |
Among India’s extensive network of tiger reserves, a few stand out for their size and significance. The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal is the largest, covering about 2,584 sq km. This unique mangrove habitat is home to the famous “swimming tigers,” adapted to saline water conditions. It shelters around 100 tigers, though exact numbers vary due to the reserve’s challenging terrain.
On the other end of the scale, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is one of the smallest, with an area of just 1,536 sq km. Despite its relatively small size, Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger densities in India, with over 120 tigers recorded in recent surveys. Its dense population makes it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, the first to be brought under Project Tiger in 1973, also holds special significance. Spanning 1,318 sq km, it is often celebrated as the birthplace of India’s tiger conservation movement. Today, it houses more than 250 tigers, making it one of the richest reserves in population.
These reserves highlight how large and small habitats are vital in sustaining India’s tiger population.
Since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, India’s tiger population has shown a strong upward trend, particularly over the last two decades. The systematic tiger censuses conducted every four years since 2006 provide the most reliable data for tracking this progress.
| Census Year | Estimated Number of Tigers |
|---|---|
| 2006 | ~ 1,411 |
| 2010 | ~ 1,706 |
| 2014 | ~ 2,226 |
| 2018 | ~ 2,967 |
| 2022 | ~ 3,167 |
In the latest census (2022), India recorded 3,167 tigers, up from 2,967 in 2018, marking a 6.7% increase over four years. Earlier census cycles showed more rapid growth; for example, from 2014 to 2018, the population rose by nearly 33%.
Over the past five decades, Project Tiger has become one of the world’s most successful wildlife conservation programs. Launched in 1973 with just nine reserves, it has expanded to over 53 tiger reserves across 18 states, covering more than 75,000 sq km, securing vital habitats for tigers and countless other species.
A major achievement of the project is the recovery of India’s tiger population. From around 1,800 individuals in the early 1970s, numbers have steadily risen to over 3,100 today, representing nearly 75% of the global wild tiger population. This growth is attributed to strict anti-poaching measures, scientific monitoring, and strong community participation, as reported by the NTCA.
Habitat restoration has also been significant. Reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Corbett now support thriving prey populations, vegetation, and water resources. The reintroduction of species like swamp deer highlights broader biodiversity recovery.
International organizations like WWF India recognize Project Tiger as a model for balancing ecological needs with sustainable development. Eco-tourism, awareness campaigns, and community-based initiatives have empowered local communities while safeguarding ecosystems, establishing India as a global leader in wildlife conservation.
While Project Tiger has achieved remarkable success, several threats continue to endanger the long-term survival of tigers in India.
To ensure the survival of tigers, India has implemented a range of conservation strategies under Project Tiger and allied initiatives.
These strategies form a multi-pronged approach, combining legal protection, scientific management, community participation, and technology to safeguard India’s tiger population for future generations.
Educating communities, students, and the general public about the importance of tiger conservation is a decisive first step. Participating in workshops and local events and spreading information through social media helps build a culture of wildlife protection and responsible behavior.
Individuals can make a tangible impact by supporting NGOs and tiger reserves through donations, volunteering, or participation in conservation programs. These efforts contribute to anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and scientific research while providing sustainable livelihoods to communities near tiger habitats.
Adopting eco-friendly habits and practicing responsible tourism ensures the protection of tiger habitats. Reducing plastic usage, minimizing waste, following park guidelines, and supporting local conservation projects help maintain healthy ecosystems for tigers and other wildlife.
By combining awareness, active support, and sustainable practices, everyone can help safeguard India’s tiger population for future generations.
Project Tiger, a monumental wildlife conservation initiative launched in India in 1973, has been instrumental in rescuing the tiger population from the brink of extinction. The project’s success, achieved through a combination of scientific management, habitat protection, stringent anti-poaching measures, and community engagement, has not only safeguarded the majestic tiger but also revitalized forest ecosystems and preserved biodiversity. Nevertheless, the persistent threats of poaching, habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and the overarching challenge of climate change underscore the ongoing need for collective action. To ensure the continued survival of tigers.
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Project Tiger, launched in 1973, aimed to conserve India’s national animal, the tiger. It began with 9 reserves and has now expanded to 54 reserves nationwide.
In 1973, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi launched Project Tiger, a landmark conservation initiative to protect India’s declining tiger population. This ambitious project focused on creating dedicated reserves, curbing poaching, and safeguarding habitats to ensure the survival of the majestic Bengal tiger.
Dholpur Karauli Tiger Reserve is the 54th Tiger Reserve in India. It was established in 2023 after approval was obtained from the Naitona Tiger Conservation Authority.
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The first national park in India is Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936. Initially known as Hailey National Park, it was later changed to Jim Corbett to honor the conservationist.
Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India in 1973. The initiative was started to save the endangered tiger population in the country.
Authored by, Muskan Gupta
Content Curator
Muskan believes learning should feel like an adventure, not a chore. With years of experience in content creation and strategy, she specializes in educational topics, online earning opportunities, and general knowledge. She enjoys sharing her insights through blogs and articles that inform and inspire her readers. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her hopping between bookstores and bakeries, always in search of her next favorite read or treat.
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