Valmik Thapar, a renowned activist dedicated to the conservation of tigers in India, has died at the age of 72 or 73, following a battle with cancer. His family announced his passing on May 31, from his home in New Delhi. The specifics of his birthdate remain uncertain, though he was born in 1952.
Thapar devoted his life to protecting tigers, beginning his studies at a reserve in 1976. He vocalized a profound belief that tigers should inhabit “inviolate protected areas,” free from human interruption and encroachment. His uncompromising style and vast knowledge made him a significant voice in wildlife advocacy.
Ravi Singh, Chief Executive of WWF-India, described him as “not an institutional person” but rather “an institution unto himself,” noted for his detailed understanding of wildlife and ability to communicate effectively. Ullas Karanth, the former India program director of the Wildlife Conservation Society, emphasized Thapar’s power to amplify awareness about the pressing tiger crisis through strong political and media connections.
The alarming decrease in India's tiger population, which plummeted from around 40,000 in the 1950s to just 1,411 by 2006, faced a turning point thanks to the conservation efforts championed by Thapar and others. The latest census indicates a revival, reporting 3,682 tigers in 2022. In the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, where Thapar’s passion for tigers blossomed, the numbers have risen from approximately 15 in 2006 to about 70 today, illustrating the impact of sustained conservation work.
Valmik Thapar's legacy stands as a testament to the importance of protecting nature and the urgent need for continued efforts to conserve the magnificent tigers of India.
