Valmik Thapar: A Legacy of Tiger Conservation in India

Valmik Thapar, a celebrated figure in wildlife conservation, passed away on May 31 due to cancer. He was instrumental in the fight for tiger preservation in India, where his efforts witnessed a dramatic turnaround in tiger populations over the years.

Valmik Thapar, a prominent conservationist dedicated to the protection of tigers in India, died at the age of 72 or 73 on May 31 at his residence in New Delhi. His family confirmed that cancer was the cause of his death. Thapar was recognized for his commanding presence and compelling communication style, passionately advocating for the establishment of "inviolate protected areas" where tigers could thrive free from human interference.

A notable figure in the wildlife community, Thapar had a profound impact on conservation discourse, leveraging his extensive political and media connections to raise awareness about the pressing "tiger crisis" in India. His unwavering commitment came at a crucial time when the nation experienced a severe decline in its tiger population, dropping from approximately 40,000 in the 1950s to just 1,411 by 2006. However, his relentless advocacy coincided with a resurgence in conservation efforts, contributing to a notable increase in the tiger population to an estimated 3,682 by 2022.

Thapar’s early fascination with tigers blossomed at the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, where he witnessed firsthand the changes in tiger numbers over the years. In 2006, the reserve housed around 15 tigers, a figure that grew to 70 by 2022, according to comments from Ravi Singh of the World Wildlife Fund-India. His legacy lives on through his work and the vast network of conservationists he inspired.