Eminent Tiger Conservationist Valmik Thapar Passes Away at 73
Valmik Thapar, one of India's most distinguished wildlife conservationists and authors, passed away at his residence at the age of 73. For nearly five decades, he was deeply involved in efforts to protect wild tigers, particularly in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. His extensive work and numerous books significantly contributed to tiger conservation awareness and policy in India, leaving a lasting legacy in wildlife protection.
Unpacked:
Valmik Thapar authored over 20 books, presented acclaimed wildlife documentaries, and co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation to involve local communities in conservation. He served on key government advisory bodies and was instrumental in shaping policies and raising awareness about tiger protection in India over nearly five decades.
Thapar entered wildlife conservation in 1976 after meeting Fateh Singh Rathore, director of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. Their partnership profoundly influenced India's conservation landscape, particularly in Rajasthan, and led Thapar to dedicate his life to protecting tigers.
Thapar was a vocal critic of bureaucratic inertia, often stating that 'bureaucracy killed more tigers than bullets ever did.' He highlighted the need for genuine team efforts, better management, and community involvement to overcome challenges like poaching and habitat loss.
India currently has an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 tigers, up from nine tiger reserves in 1973 to 53 today. Thapar’s advocacy, policy involvement, and public awareness initiatives have played a significant role in shaping conservation strategies that helped stabilize and gradually increase tiger numbers.