In a cheering development on the eve of International Tiger Day, around 150 tigers are roaring and prowling freely in the forests of Rajasthan, while 15 others are living safely and being well cared for in captivity at the Nahargarh Safari-cum-Biological Park here.
According to Wildlife Department sources, a total of 152 big cats (tigers, tigresses and cubs) are living in the wild, while 15 are in captivity, taking the total number to 167.
The world-famous Ranthambore National Park is home to 70–72 tigers (across Ranthambore I and Ranthambore II). The relocated habitat of the Sariska Tiger Reserve has 56 tigers, followed by Mukundra Hills–Hadoti (7), the neighbouring Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (8), and the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve (11), the sources said.
Of the total big cat population, 149 tigers are spread across the five designated tiger reserves—Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur), Sariska (Alwar), Mukundra Hills (Hadoti), Ramgarh Vishdhari (Bundi-Bhilwara), and Dholpur-Karauli—a department spokesperson added.
“Protecting a tiger means protecting the entire forest. When tigers are safe, so are the barasingha, bears, gaurs, birds, rivers and forests. On this International Tiger Day, pledge to preserve this balance of nature,” the spokesperson said.
Expressing satisfaction over the success of conservation efforts, the spokesperson said, “Today, India is home to the world’s largest wild tiger population, accounting for more than 70 per cent of all wild tigers globally. This success reflects decades of sustained policy support, scientific management and community participation, positioning India as a global leader in tiger conservation.”