National Animal of India: Royal Bengal Tiger

The tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris, is a beautiful and powerful animal with a thick yellow-orange coat and dark black stripes on its body. It moves with grace, strength, and speed, which is why it is respected and recognized as the national animal of India.

There are 8 types of tigers found around the world. Among these eight types of tigers, the Royal Bengal Tiger is the most common in India. It lives in many parts of the country except for the northwestern regions and can also be found in nearby countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The Bengal Tiger is a strong hunter and can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and weigh as much as 570 pounds (260 kilograms). Its bright orange fur with bold black stripes makes it easy to recognize.

To protect this endangered animal, India launched ‘Project Tiger’ in April 1973. This project has helped set up 55 tiger reserves across the country, covering an area of 78,735 square kilometers. These reserves are built in a safe environment where tigers can live and grow freely. It is important to note that India has 75% of the world’s tiger population. A recent report showed that the number of tigers in India increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 3,167, showing a 42% rise, which is a big success in tiger conservation.

Tiger Reserves in India

India is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, one of the most majestic and endangered big cats in the world. To protect these iconic animals, the Indian government has established several tiger reserves across the country. When the project tiger was started in the year 1973 there were only 9 tiger reserves in the entire country. This number has jump to 55 as of August 2024. Dholpur-Karauli is the 55th tiger reserve in India Approved by National Tiger Conservation Authority on 22 August 2023.