Although progress has been uneven across different countries, the day remains a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving not just tigers but the ecosystems they help sustain

Tigers are apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their natural habitat

As top carnivores, they regulate prey populations and, by extension, influence the health of forests

A thriving tiger population is often a strong indicator of a healthy and biodiverse environment

However, due to poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and illegal wildlife trade, tigers have suffered a massive decline in the past century

From nearly 100,000 tigers a century ago, the number dwindled to less than 4,000 in the wild by 2010

While some countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Russia, have shown encouraging signs of population recovery through conservation policies, many regions still struggle with threats to tiger survival

India, home to over 75 per cent of the global wild tiger population, has played a pioneering role in tiger conservation

Initiatives such as Project Tiger, launched in 1973, and the creation of protected reserves have helped the country nearly double its tiger population in recent years

There are three Tiger Projects in Maharashtra State, namely Melghat (Amravati) comprising of Gugamal National Park, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary and multiple use area, Tadoba-Andhari(Chandrapur) comprising of Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary and Pench (Nagpur) comprising of Pench National Park

Beyond conservation, International Tiger Day is also about creating awareness among communities, policymakers and younger generations

It emphasises the need for sustainable development, community involvement, and international cooperation

Events such as wildlife exhibitions, educational campaigns and awareness drives are held across the globe to celebrate the day and spotlight tiger conservation

Ultimately, saving tigers is not just about protecting a species; it’s about safeguarding our natural heritage

Tigers now roam across 138,200 sq km (53,360 sq miles)—an area nearly half the size of the UK—coexisting with nearly 60 million people

In regions like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of northeast India—areas with a long history of bushmeat hunting and poaching—tigers are now

As we observe International Tiger Day, let it be a reminder that the fight for tiger conservation is far from over

With sustained collective action, unwavering public support, and robust enforcement of conservation laws, we can ensure that the majestic roar of the tiger continues to resonate through India's forests and beyond for generations to come

Protecting them means protecting countless other species, preserving biodiversity and securing the ecological balance crucial for life on Earth