‘Wildlife Week’ ends with awards honouring stunning big cat photography

To mark the conclusion of Wildlife Week, Union Environment Minister Bhupinder Yadav on Wednesday presented awards to the winners of the Global Big Cats Photography Competition-2025 in New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering at the award ceremony, Yadav said, “Our nation has not only strengthened its conservation frameworks, but also redefined how development and nature can coexist.”

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The event was organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), Aarts Maestro, and the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, as a pre-summit event for the forthcoming Global Summit on Big Cat Conservation 2026.

According to official sources, eight participants were awarded from a total of 1,000 competitors, showcasing the diverse wilderness of India.

Applauding the winners and participants, the Environment Minister said, “Your passion for wildlife and your commitment to portraying the splendour of big cats contribute significantly to the larger mission of global conservation.”

Highlighting India’s achievements in big cat conservation, Yadav noted a 30% increase in the tiger population over the past decade, with the country now boasting 58 Tiger Reserves spanning over 84,000 square kilometers.

He also drew attention to Project Snow Leopard, which has successfully engaged local communities in protecting these majestic sentinels of the Himalayas. Earlier this year, a study published in PLOS One reported the highest density of snow leopards globally at India’s Hemis National Park in Ladakh.

The minister further expressed hope for India’s feline future with the success of Project Cheetah, noting that the first cub born on Indian soil from Namibian parents, imported nearly three years ago, has now attained adulthood.