India has achieved a remarkable success in tiger conservation, doubling its tiger population in just over a decade. This achievement has been driven by a combination of factors, including enhanced protection for the big cats, efforts to combat poaching, habitat restoration, efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and initiatives that have improved the living standards of local communities near tiger habitats. According to a recent study published in Science, these efforts have not only helped increase the tiger population but also had positive socio-economic impacts on local communities, thanks to the growth of ecotourism and the associated revenues.
India’s Tiger Population Surge
In 2010, India was home to an estimated 1,706 tigers. By 2022, the tiger population had risen to approximately 3,682, based on estimates from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. This significant increase places India as the custodian of nearly 75% of the global tiger population, highlighting the country’s crucial role in the global conservation of this iconic species.
The study, which draws upon data collected by government-supported institutions, offers a detailed look at the factors that have led to this growth in tiger numbers. Notably, the rise in the tiger population has been accompanied by an increase in the number of ecotourism opportunities in areas surrounding tiger habitats, providing a boost to local economies.
Human Attitudes Over Human Density
One of the key findings of the study is that the increase in the tiger population has not been hindered by high human density in certain areas, a common belief that has often been cited as a barrier to conservation. Yadvendradev Jhala, a senior scientist at the Indian National Academy of Sciences and the study’s lead author, noted that the success of tiger conservation is more about the attitude of people than the population density of humans in tiger-rich areas.
Jhala pointed out that communities that support conservation efforts can play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of wildlife, even in densely populated areas. This insight challenges the traditional view that human populations must be reduced or relocated for conservation to succeed. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships between humans and wildlife, ensuring that both can coexist.
Challenges and Criticism
While the findings of the study are widely celebrated, the research also raises important questions regarding the accuracy of the data and the methodology used in estimating tiger populations. Arjun Gopalaswamy, an ecologist with expertise in wildlife population estimation, noted that previous estimates from India’s official tiger monitoring program have been “chaotic” and at times “contradictory.” He acknowledged that some of the tiger population figures in the study are much higher than earlier estimates based on the same datasets. However, he also suggested that the study has likely corrected certain discrepancies related to the size and distribution of the tiger population that had been flagged by scientists in previous years.
Despite these concerns, the study’s conclusions underscore a critical message: conservation efforts can succeed when they involve the support of local communities and when sustainable methods, such as ecotourism, create economic opportunities that benefit people living near wildlife habitats.
Tiger Conservation Beyond National Parks
The study highlights the fact that tigers are spread across a vast area of approximately 138,200 square kilometers (53,359 square miles) in India. This area is roughly the size of the state of New York. However, only about 25% of this habitat is both protected and prey-rich, which means that most of India’s tigers share their habitat with humans. Around 45% of tiger habitats overlap with areas where nearly 60 million people live. These areas face challenges such as increased human encroachment, overuse of forest resources, and urbanization, which threaten the tigers’ survival.
Tigers have disappeared from some areas, particularly in regions far from national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, and in areas with high rates of urbanization and conflict. The study emphasizes that conservation cannot succeed without the support of local communities, which can help protect both tigers and their habitats.
Jhala reiterated this point, noting that successful conservation in India has been rooted in a strong legislative framework and community engagement. “Without community support and participation and community benefits, conservation is not possible in our country,” he said.
The Importance of Habitat Quality
One of the central insights from the study is that habitat quality is more important than the sheer amount of land available for tigers. Jhala explained that while tiger habitats in India are vast, the key to successful conservation lies in improving the quality of these habitats. This involves ensuring that tigers have enough prey, that human-wildlife conflict is minimized, and that habitats are properly protected from poaching and other threats.
India’s wildlife protection legislation, which includes stringent anti-poaching laws, is seen as a crucial factor in the success of the country’s tiger conservation efforts. In fact, the study describes wildlife protection laws as the “backbone” of the country’s tiger conservation strategy. However, improving habitat quality is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous monitoring and intervention.
Ecotourism’s Role in Conservation
Another important factor contributing to the success of tiger conservation in India is the rise of ecotourism. The study found that many local communities near tiger habitats have benefited from the influx of tourists coming to view the tigers. This has led to an increase in revenue from tourism-related activities, providing a source of income for people who live in proximity to these protected areas.
This has created a symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and community development. As tiger populations increase, the number of tourists visiting these regions also grows, boosting local economies. In turn, these communities have become more invested in the protection of tigers and their habitats, ensuring that the animals remain a source of pride and financial gain.
Expanding Conservation Efforts to Other Species
While the study focused on tigers, wildlife biologist Ravi Chellam, who was not involved in the research, emphasized the need to extend conservation efforts to other species in India. Chellam pointed out that species such as the great Indian bustard and caracal are also facing serious threats, and their protection should not be overlooked. He argued that a more holistic approach to conservation is needed—one that considers the health of entire ecosystems, rather than focusing on a single species.
“The focus should not just be on tigers, but on other species as well,” Chellam said. “If we truly want to maintain biodiversity, we must extend these conservation efforts beyond just the flagship species.”
Conclusion
India’s tiger conservation success story offers valuable lessons for other tiger-range countries and highlights the importance of integrated, community-based conservation strategies. By improving habitat quality, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and supporting local communities through initiatives like ecotourism, India has demonstrated that it is possible to increase tiger populations while also benefiting people.
However, there is still work to be done to ensure the protection of tigers and other endangered species in India. As the country continues to balance the needs of wildlife and human populations, a commitment to habitat protection, sustainable tourism, and community engagement will be essential for the long-term success of tiger conservation in the country and beyond.
This study underscores the fact that conservation is not just about protecting individual species, but about creating a sustainable relationship between people and the environment. With the right approach, it is possible to ensure that both wildlife and local communities can thrive together.
Reference: Yadvendradev V. Jhala et al, Tiger recovery amid people and poverty, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adk4827