India’s tiger population increases to nearly 3,000
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the country’s ‘historic achievement’ in protecting the endangered big cat.
India’s tiger population has grown to nearly 3,000, making the country one of the safest habitats for the endangered animals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says it is a “historic achievement” for his country as the big cat’s population had dwindled to 1,400 about 15 years ago.
India estimates its tiger population every four years, with the latest figures covering 2018.
Environment minister Prakash Javadekar said the tiger population was 2,226 in the last count, in 2014.
The tiger is India’s national animal and it is categorised as endangered under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The human conflict with tigers has gradually increased since the 1970s, when India started a tiger conservation programme which carved out sanctuaries in national parks.
