In 1972, India’s tiger population was on the edge of extinction. With only 1,827 tigers left due to rampant poaching, habitat destruction, and rising human-wildlife conflict, the launch of Project Tiger in 1973 marked a pivotal moment in global conservation history. The project introduced protected reserves, specialized patrol forces, and a ‘core-buffer’ strategy that balanced wildlife protection with sustainable human activity.

Fast forward to 2023, and the results are remarkable: India is now home to 3,682 tigers, a 160% increase since 2006. With 57 designated reserves across 18 states, the country’s tiger conservation model is globally celebrated. Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand have emerged as the leading tiger strongholds.

But this success story has its shadows. Reserves like Ranthambhore have seen setbacks, losing 40 tigers since the pandemic. Poaching remains a critical threat, with over 100 tigers killed since 2022 as traffickers deploy more advanced technologies and organized crime networks. At the same time, habitat degradation and human-tiger conflicts are rising, placing communities and conservation efforts at odds.

Experts warn that protecting wildlife corridors and ensuring fair compensation to affected communities are now urgent priorities. India’s conservation leadership is also extending beyond tigers—with projects for elephants, snow leopards, and crocodiles—but whether they can replicate the scale and impact of Project Tiger remains an open question.