Taking notes from the latest tiger census data released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, India’s tiger population rose by 200 in the past four years to reach 3,167 in 2022.

Latest tiger census data

According to the data, the tiger population was 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022.

At the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of ‘Project Tiger’, PM Modi has launched the ‘International Big Cat Alliance’ (IBCA) and released a booklet ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision’, presenting the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years.

During the session, the prime minister said that the protection of wildlife was a universal issue, adding that IBCA was India’s endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats.

PM Modi addresses the event

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said “Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful transcontinental translocation of the big cat.”

For wildlife to thrive it is important for ecosystems to thrive, PM Modi said adding that this has been happening in India.

“India is a country where protecting nature is part of culture… We do not believe in conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to coexistence between the two,” he noted.

In July 2019, the prime minister called for an ‘Alliance of Global Leaders’ to “obliterate demand” and firmly curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia.

Also Read: Modi’s New Look! PM Goes On ‘Jungle Jeep Safari’ At Bandipur Tiger Reserve In Karnataka, WATCH Here

IBCA

India launched the IBCA to bring focus to the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah — with a membership of the range of countries harbouring these species.

India launched ‘Project Tiger’ on April 1, 1973, to promote tiger conservation. Initially, it covered nine tiger reserves spread over 18,278 sq km. At present, there are 53 tiger reserves spanning more than 75,000 sq km (approximately 2.4 per cent of the country’s geographical area).

Earlier this morning, PM Modi spent a scenic Bandipur Tiger Reserve where he went on a jeep safari and got a glimpse of the wildlife, natural beauty and biodiversity.