Mysuru: Spreading cheers among India's animal conservationists, the latest tiger census has revealed that the country's big cat population has grown by 200 in the past four years to reach 3,167 in 2022. The data was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Sunday.
According to the data, the tiger population was 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022.
At the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of 'Project Tiger', the Prime Minister also launched the 'International Big Cat Alliance' (IBCA) and released a booklet Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision', presenting the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years.
The Prime Minister said that the protection of wildlife was a universal issue, adding that IBCA was India's endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats.
Cheetahs became extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful transcontinental translocation of the big cat, Modi said.
For wildlife to thrive, it is important for ecosystems to thrive, Modi said, adding that this has been happening in India.
"India is a country where protecting nature is part of our culture. We do not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to coexistence between the two," he noted.
India launched the IBCA to bring focus to 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 of countries harbouring these species.
India launched 'Project Tiger' on April 1, 1973, to promote tiger conservation. Initially, it covered nine tiger reserves spread over 18,278 sq km. At present, there are 53 tiger reserves spanning more than 75,000 sq km.
(With inputs from PTI)
