JAIPUR: Rajasthan's tiger population has climbed to around 150 in the wild ahead of International Tiger Day, marking another milestone in the state's conservation efforts, while 15 more tigers are being cared for in captivity at the Nahargarh Safari-cum-Biological Park.
According to the state Wildlife Department, a total of 152 tigers, tigresses and cubs are living in the wild, with another 15 in captivity, taking the state's total tiger population to 167.
The renowned Ranthambore National Park is home to between 70 and 72 tigers across its two ranges. The Sariska Tiger Reserve has 56 tigers, followed by Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve with seven, Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve with eight, and Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve with 11.
A Wildlife Department spokesperson said 149 tigers are distributed across the state's five designated tiger reserves: Ranthambore in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska in Alwar, Mukundra Hills in Hadoti, Ramgarh Vishdhari in Bundi and Bhilwara, and Dholpur-Karauli.
"Protecting a tiger means protecting the entire forest. When tigers are safe, so are the barasingha, bears, gaur, birds, rivers and forests. On this International Tiger Day, pledge to preserve this balance of nature," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said India's conservation efforts had positioned the country as the world's leading stronghold for wild tigers.
"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," the spokesperson said. - The Stateman/ANN
