Home   »   GK Questions   »   National Animal of India: Royal Bengal...

National Animal of India: Royal Bengal Tiger

The magnificent Panthera tigris, also known as the tiger, is a striking striped animal. It has a thick, vibrant yellow coat of fur adorned with dark, contrasting stripes. The captivating combination of grace, strength, agility, and immense power has rightfully earned the tiger its revered status as the national animal of India.

National Animal of India: Royal Bengal Tiger_3.1

Out of the eight recognized tiger subspecies, the Indian race, the Royal Bengal Tiger, is found throughout the country, except in the northwestern regions, and also in the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The Bengal Tiger is a powerful predator and can weigh up to 570 pounds (260 kilograms) and grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length. It has distinctive orange fur with black stripes, and is known for its strength, agility, and hunting abilities.

To address the declining tiger population in India, a conservation initiative called ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in April 1973. Under this project, a total of 55 tiger reserves have been established across the country, covering an area of 78,735  square kilometers. India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population. Recently, a report on the Status of Tigers in India was released, indicating a growth in the tiger population to 3167 from 2226, thus a 42% increase in the number of tigers, since 2014. These designated tiger reserves serve as sanctuaries to protect and nurture the iconic big cat, ensuring its continued presence in the Indian subcontinent.

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 22nd August 2023.

 

National Animal of India

S. No. Name of Tiger Reserve State Year of Inclusion under Project Tiger
1. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Andhra Pradesh 1982-1983
2. Kamlang Tiger Reserve Arunachal Pradesh 2016-2017
3. Namdapha Tiger Reserve Arunachal Pradesh 1982- 1983
4. Pakke Tiger Reserve Arunachal Pradesh 1999-2000
5. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Assam 2008-2009
6. Manas Tiger Reserve Assam 1973-1974
7. Nameri Tiger Reserve Assam 1999-2000
8. Orang Tiger Reserve Assam 2016
9. Valmiki Tiger Reserve Bihar 1989-1990
10. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Chhattisgarh 2008-2009
11. Indravati Tiger Reserve Chhattisgarh 1982-1983
12. Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Chhattisgarh 2008-2009
13. Palamau Tiger Reserve Jharkhand 1973-1974
14. Bandipur Tiger Reserve Karnataka 1973-1974
15. Bhadra Tiger Reserve Karnataka 1994-1995
16. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Karnataka 2010-2011
17. Dandeli-Anshi (Kali) Tiger Reserve Karnataka 2008-2009
18. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Karnataka 2008-2009
19. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Kerala 2008-2009
20. Periyar Tiger Reserve Kerala 1978-1979
21. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 1993-1994
22. Kanha Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 1973-1974
23. Panna Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 1993-1994
24. Pench Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 1992-1993
25. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 2008-2009
26. Satpura Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 1999-2000
27. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh
28. Bor Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 2014
29. Melghat Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 1973-1974
30. Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 2013-2014
31. Pench Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 1998-1999
32. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 2009-2010
33. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Maharashtra 1993-1994
34. Dampa Tiger Reserve Mizoram 1994-1995
35. Satkosia Tiger Reserve Odisha 2008-2009
36. Similipal Tiger Reserve Odisha 1973-1974
37. Mukandra Hills Tiger Reserve Rajasthan 2013-2014
38. Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve Rajasthan 2022
39. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Rajasthan 1973-1974
40. Sariska Tiger Reserve Rajasthan 1978-1979
41. Anamalai Tiger Reserve Tamil Nadu 2008-2009
42. Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Tamil Nadu 1988-1989
43. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Tamil Nadu 2008-2009
44. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Tamil Nadu 2013-2014
45. Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve Tamil Nadu 2020-2021
46. Amrabad Tiger Reserve Telangana 2014-2015
47. Kawal Tiger Reserve Telangana 2012-2013
48. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Uttar Pradesh 1987-1988
49. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Uttar Pradesh 2014
50. Ranipur Tiger Reserve Uttar Pradesh 2022-2023
51. Corbett Tiger Reserve Uttarakhand 1973-1974
52. Rajaji Tiger Reserve Uttarakhand 2015
53. Buxa Tiger Reserve West Bengal 1982-1983
54. Sunderbans Tiger Reserve West Bengal 1973-1974
55. Dholpur – Karauli Tiger Reserve Rajasthan 2023
These tiger reserves are not only home to tigers, but also to a variety of other wildlife species, including elephants, leopards, Indian rhinoceros, and many others. The Indian government, in collaboration with various non-governmental organizations, is working towards the conservation and protection of these species and their habitats.

Some Interesting Facts

  • Bengal Tiger was declared as the national animal of India in April 1973.
  • International Tiger Day is celebrated each year on July 29 to turn the spotlight on the conservation of tigers worldwide.
  • Since 2010, Royal Bengal Tiger has been classified as an endangered animal by IUCN.
  • Male Bengal tigers have an average length of 2.7m to 3.1m including the tail, while females measure 2.4m to 2.65m on average.

pdpCourseImg

 

 

FAQs

Currently how many tigers are there in the country?

As of 2019, there are 2967 tigers in India thanks to the steps taken by the World Wildlife Fund and government.

Before Tiger what was the National animal of India?

Before Tiger, Lion was the national animal of India.

What is the need to save tigers?

Tigers are terminal consumers in the ecological food pyramid and their conservation results in the conservation of all trophic levels in an ecosystem.

When was  Project Tiger started?

Project tiger was started in the year 1973 due to the dwindling population of tigers in India, the government of India declared Royal Bengal Tiger as the national animal.