Thapar's legacy in wildlife conservation marks a significant chapter in India's efforts to protect its tigers.
Valmik Thapar: A Fearless Tiger Advocate in India Dies at 73
Valmik Thapar: A Fearless Tiger Advocate in India Dies at 73
Renowned conservationist dedicated to tiger preservation and habitat protection passes away.
Valmik Thapar, a passionate and impactful conservationist known for his fierce dedication to the protection of tigers in India, has passed away at the age of 72 or 73 at his home in New Delhi on May 31. His family shared that he succumbed to cancer. Thapar, who was born in 1952, was known for his assertive character and articulate advocacy for tiger conservation.
Throughout his career, he tirelessly campaigned against the threats posed by poaching, habitat loss, and ineffective governmental policies. He firmly believed that tigers deserved "inviolate protected areas" where they could thrive without human interference. Ravi Singh, the Secretary General of World Wildlife Fund-India, praised Thapar as "an institution unto himself" due to his extensive knowledge and ability to communicate sensitive issues effectively.
Thapar was instrumental in raising awareness about what is now referred to as the ‘tiger crisis.’ His connections in both politics and media played a pivotal role in spotlighting the conservation movement. He witnessed a drastic decline in tiger populations, which plummeted from approximately 40,000 in the 1950s to a mere 1,411 in 2006. However, due to concerted conservation efforts, the numbers saw an upswing, reaching 3,682 tigers in 2022. In particular, the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, where Thapar's affection for tigers flourished, saw an increase from around 15 tigers in 2006 to nearly 70 by 2022, highlighting the impact of his efforts.
Throughout his career, he tirelessly campaigned against the threats posed by poaching, habitat loss, and ineffective governmental policies. He firmly believed that tigers deserved "inviolate protected areas" where they could thrive without human interference. Ravi Singh, the Secretary General of World Wildlife Fund-India, praised Thapar as "an institution unto himself" due to his extensive knowledge and ability to communicate sensitive issues effectively.
Thapar was instrumental in raising awareness about what is now referred to as the ‘tiger crisis.’ His connections in both politics and media played a pivotal role in spotlighting the conservation movement. He witnessed a drastic decline in tiger populations, which plummeted from approximately 40,000 in the 1950s to a mere 1,411 in 2006. However, due to concerted conservation efforts, the numbers saw an upswing, reaching 3,682 tigers in 2022. In particular, the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, where Thapar's affection for tigers flourished, saw an increase from around 15 tigers in 2006 to nearly 70 by 2022, highlighting the impact of his efforts.
