International Tiger Day 2023: Species who share the planet with us

International Tiger Day which is observed on July 29 every year, serves as a platform to raise the awareness of the species that are endangered. The day is celebrated worldwide to promote comprehensive efforts to safeguard the tigers and their habitats.

Today, the world is witnessing the 13th International Tiger Day.

70% of tigers are found in India

Giving a push to Project Tiger, which has completed its 50 years recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it is the result of the pioneering conservation initiative that 70% of the world’s tigers are found in India.

Only July 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting via video conferencing. He hailed India’s ‘Project Tiger’ which is aimed to promote the conservation of tigers. In a video message, PM Modi said that Project Lion and Project Dolphin are in the pipeline.

“India has recently launched the International Big Cat Alliance for the conservation of 7 big cats on our planet. It is based on our learnings from Project Tiger, a pioneering conservation initiative. As a result of Project Tiger, 70 per cent of the world’s tigers are found in India. We are also working on Project Lion and Project Dolphin,” PM Modi said.

International Tiger Day also helps reduce the demand for Tiger products, which has contributed hugely to illegal wildlife trade, according to the experts.

Rise in numbers with Project Tiger

According to the census conducted in 2022, with 3,167 tigers, about 75% of the global numbers, the once elusive bright orange fur and distinct low rumbling roar are not so rare anymore. This has scripted a remarkable story of conservation with Project Tiger which started 50 years ago in 1973 when the count was just 268.

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav hails the Project Tiger

Bhupender Yadav, the minister of Labour and Employment has also hailed the Project Tiger. He tweeted on Saturday, “Roaring success! With over 3,100 tigers in India, the success of Project Tiger speaks for itself. On #InternationalTigerDay, let us pledge to protect the ecosystem in which this big cat thrives.”