What does conservation of India's national animal look like for every citizen of India, especially if you are not directly connected with forests, living in the vicinity of one as a generational resident, or through the offices of the Government of India, for study and research, tourism, hospitality, or photography?

One of the most charismatic species in the wild—and literally the 'king of the jungle'—the tiger never fails to turn heads! I have seen people cry, hold their breath, and become almost meditative at the sight of a Royal Bengal Tiger striding past within their immediate view. Alternately, I have also seen adults throwing tantrums after not seeing one in the wild despite several safaris.

Recently, on a drive back from the forests, an entire bus of people could talk about nothing but the one tiger they had seen—completely ignoring the fact that many of us had also spotted vultures, herds of spotted deer, elephants, a monitor lizard, a python, fish eagles, many varieties of kingfishers, and more. But all anyone wanted to hear about was that single tiger sighting.

The number of (amateur) photographers who hire or buy expensive equipment to photograph tigers in the wild, while spending thousands to stay in lodges that facilitate this photography, is an enviable number. Such is the charisma of the tiger, which is classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

One would expect that this kind of adulation would lead to greater sensitivity, donations, and better behaviour around tigers and wildlife in general. But there is more to be done. This is where every citizen can work and contribute to further improving the plight of tigers in the wild in India, currently estimated at around 3925 from the last census of 2022. By this I do not just mean numbers.

Tourists are often regarded as the eyes and ears of conservation, with their presence in the jungle helping to deter illegal activities within forest areas. This places significant responsibility on them, making their choices about where and how they stay especially important. An ideal lodge you would choose to stay at builds itself as an extension of the forest habitat with a gentle footprint, personally regulates itself for better safaris with valuable naturalists, provides opportunities for local communities, and is often seen as an accomplice in conservation.

A gentle footprint would include where the lodge locates itself, how it secures its borders allowing easy access to the wild, the kind of construction it resorts to with less stress on land, water, and the environment, and how it operates, expending energy and other resources.

How does Tiger Conservation Support Forest Ecosystems?

Apart from being the apex predator that keeps herbivores in check and manages the balance of the forest ecosystem, the tiger's conservation success is seen as setting standards, important for the overall conservation agenda of wildlife. Requiring large forests to thrive, a healthy tiger population lives in an abundant forest, stable and biodiverse ecosystem, and a successful carbon sink that helps in mitigating climate change. A symbol of our national pride, India has the largest population of tigers in the world today.

Knowledge: "Only if we understand, we will care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, will all be saved."

Jane Goodall's timeless plea to all world citizens for the protection of wildlife is to know everything about how tigers in the wild, forests, and our lives are linked. The study of the tiger, its habitat, and conservation are not for students alone but are fascinating for anyone who is keen on visiting forests to have a glimpse of them.

It is disturbing, then, to know that tigers continue to be poached, poisoned, and suffer from habitat destruction in the name of development. While recent census numbers give us a sense of hope in the growing numbers, it is important to know that our comparative numbers are from recent baselines, as estimates around 1947 were close to 40,000. It would help to be well informed of the tiger population, its status, the policies for its protection, as well as conservation challenges. As instances of poaching and poisoning continue to show up, it is important to know why these cases are reported now and again.

Sensitivity: It would be helpful to introduce conservation as a subject in school right from primary classes to help build awe and responsibility for our wildlife, including the tiger population. One of the best things about tiger conservation in India is the fact that every citizen can get a ticket and see the magnificence of the tiger in the wild, something which is not possible in many developing countries around the world.

With so many children visiting national parks, it is important to sensitize them to the impact of unruly tourism and why being responsible as a tourist in our national parks is also important for the well-being of the tigers. The bustle and clamour around a sighting in the park are a cause for stress for the animal—the noise, the relentless shutter sounds, and the undisciplined lineup of vehicles are alarming for tigers, even more so when it's a mother with cubs. In the era of social media promotions, it is also critical to rethink what you post on social media as 'encounters,' as it can threaten the safety of the tiger in its habitat.

Contribution: As a citizen of India, the simplest way to support tiger conservation is to fund organizations such as WWF (World Wildlife Fund), WPSI (Wildlife Protection Society of India), WTI (Wildlife Trust of India), etc. Organizations like the WPSI provide information and address issues from human–wildlife conflicts. Supporting and amplifying calls for policy improvement that help conservation regulations and habitat protection will lend more power to conservationists seeking to
protect tigers.

Conservation tourism relies on tourist footprint, both on how they should not 'consume' wildlife tourism and how tourism revenue supports local communities and their livelihood. This knowledge is essential for travellers so that they understand their role in tiger conservation.

We must remember the eternal wisdom from our epic Mahabharata that quotes, "The tiger perishes without the forest, and the forest cannot survive without the tiger."

This year's International Tiger Day (July 29) places a special emphasis on awareness for habitat conservation while lobbying to protect primary forests, which are home to a large population of tigers in India. It would be prudent to be aware of and raise your voice against other issues in and around our forests, such as the waste management, light and sound pollution. #