New Delhi (Agency): The Indian government revealed to Parliament on Monday that the tiger population in the country has significantly grown. The number of tigers has increased from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022, marking an important achievement for wildlife conservation.
G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister of Culture, shared this information in a written statement to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. Reddy’s response was triggered by a question about whether specific birds, flowers, and animals in the country had been named as national symbols and given protection due to their special status. This query was based on the feelings of common people across India.
The Minister, citing data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), explained that the Indian government had recognized the tiger and the peacock as the ‘National Animal’ and ‘National Bird’ respectively. However, he added, “As the said notifications of the Government of India were not forthcoming in the official records of MoEF & CC for quite some time, the Ministry renotified Tiger and Peacock as ‘National Animal’ and ‘National Bird’ respectively, on 30th May 2011.”
The tiger and the peacock hold a very special place in Indian legislation related to wildlife. They are both part of the Schedule-I animals in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This status gives these animals “the highest degree of protection from hunting,” Reddy explained. Furthermore, “important habitats of these animals have also been declared as Protected Areas.”
The increase in tiger numbers in India shows that these protection measures are having a positive effect. Over a period of 16 years, from 2006 to 2022, the tiger population has more than doubled, rising from 1,411 to 3,682. This progress reflects the successful efforts of the Indian government and various wildlife conservation organizations to protect and increase the population of this majestic animal.
In conclusion, the significant increase in the number of tigers in India demonstrates the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Recognizing the tiger as a ‘National Animal’ and giving it the highest level of protection from hunting has played a significant role in this success story. This news serves as an example of how dedicated conservation efforts can lead to a positive change in wildlife populations.