Pune, Tuesday, 29 July 2025 : India stands out as a country with abundant biodiversity while tigers remain an essential part of its wildlife. Among all nations worldwide tigers exist in greatest numbers in India which has 3,265 tigers.
The tiger population stands as a wildlife conservation achievement that brings national pride to the country. Maharashtra holds the fourth position in India regarding tiger numbers with 444 tigers counted throughout the country.
The tiger habitat in Marathwada has experienced a restoration process after being completely eliminated in the past. Two tigers reside at present in Gautala Sanctuary and Kinwat Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary. The return of tigers marks an essential milestone for wildlife preservation efforts.
Historical habitat of tigers and their decline
Before independence the forests of India supported more than 1 lakh tigers. Tiger hunting existed as a prestigious activity throughout the time of kings and maharajas and during British rule. Special rewards were provided to hunters as an encouragement.
The practice of tiger hunting persisted in India until 1973 after independence. The tiger population decreased dramatically from hundreds of thousands to only 1,827 animals. The tiger population in Marathwada exceeded 4,000 numbers before their near extinction occurred due to both hunting activities and human activities that took over forest lands.
This situation affected the natural chain of wildlife. The unrestricted rise of nilgai and deer and leopard populations caused negative impacts on agricultural production and environmental health.
Project Tiger and conservation efforts
The endangered status of tigersled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to establish Project Tiger during 1973. This initiative prioritized the protection of tigers. The government established strict protective measures for wildlife sanctuaries alongside their conservation efforts. Due to this, the number of tigers started increasing gradually.
The current tiger population in India has made the country the global leader in tiger numbers. Director of Chandrapur Forest Administration and Management Prabodhini Srinivas Reddy emphasized that wildlife conservation depends heavily on tiger conservation efforts.
The forest biodiversity chain depends on tigers as they function as its vital connecting link. The protection of tigers helps sustain the ecological balance that exists among forest animals.
Tigers return to Marathwada
Tiger habitat restoration has started in Marathwada after a period of about 45 years. Six or more tigers have been documented to inhabit Marathwada forest territories during the previous five years. Two tigers currently reside in Gautala and Kinwat Painganga sanctuaries.
A tigress with her five cubs roams freely through the Umred-Pavani-Kahand wildlife sanctuary in Nagpur district. The photo of increasing tiger numbers and successful conservation work was taken by world wildlife photographer Baiju Patil during International Tiger Day celebrations. The tigers’ successful return to Marathwada region brings positive prospects for wildlife protection efforts.
Natural chain and ecological balance
The decrease in tiger numbers led to the deterioration of the natural chain structure within the forest ecosystem. The fast population growth of deer and nilgai and leopards occurred because of this development. The animals damaged a significant amount of crops that grew in the agricultural fields.
The presence of tigers controls the population numbers of these animals which results in maintaining ecological balance. The increase of tiger numbers according to wildlife experts leads to the restoration of forest balance. The success of this endeavor depends on both community involvement and increased awareness among local residents.
Appeal and awareness
The general public needs to participate actively in tiger protection efforts. Wildlife expert Nale requests that when a tiger appears people should neither fear nor shout at it nor harm it. People should take the lead in protecting these animals instead of doing otherwise.
It is important to teach local people about the value of tigers before they can understand why these animals need protection. Protection of tigers benefits both the forest environment and all elements within the entire ecological system.
