Valmik Thapar, Eminent Indian Tiger Conservationist, Passes Away

Valmik Thapar, a steadfast advocate for tiger conservation in India known for his eloquent writings and relentless efforts against poaching and habitat destruction, passed away on May 31 at his residence in New Delhi. He was aged 72 or 73.

According to his family, the cause of death was cancer. Born in 1952, the exact date of his birth remains uncertain.

Thapar was a commanding figure known for his outspoken and passionate approach, which he devoted entirely to the protection of tigers. He championed the establishment of "inviolate protected areas" where tigers could thrive without interference from human activity.

An expert in his field, Thapar was described as an institution in himself due to his extensive knowledge, empathy, and exceptional communication skills.

He leveraged his significant political and media relationships to raise widespread awareness about the critical challenges facing tiger populations.

India, home to the majority of the world’s wild tigers, saw its tiger numbers plummet from around 40,000 in the 1950s to just 1,411 by 2006. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, this number has rebounded significantly to 3,682 as of 2022. In the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, where Thapar’s passion for tigers first took root, the population increased from approximately 15 in 2006 to about 70 in 2022.