In brief
Thapar became a pivotal figure in tiger conservation, advocating for safe living spaces for these endangered creatures until his passing at the age of 72.
Valmik Thapar, a devoted conservationist who championed the cause of tigers in India, passed away on May 31 at his residence in New Delhi following a battle with cancer. He was between 72 and 73 years old. His family confirmed his death, noting that he was born in 1952, although the exact date remains unknown.Thapar's career in tiger advocacy began in 1976 at a reserve where he rapidly made a name for himself through his powerful voice and compelling writings. He was a proponent of the need for “inviolate protected areas” where tigers could thrive without human interference. Ravi Singh, Chief Executive of WWF-India, praised Thapar’s immense knowledge and communication skills, recognizing him as a key figure in conservation efforts.Ullas Karanth, who formerly led the Wildlife Conservation Society’s India program, acknowledged Thapar's strategic use of his extensive political and media connections to shed light on the pressing “tiger crisis.” The tiger population in India, which once plummeted from around 40,000 in the 1950s to 1,411 in 2006, has seen a remarkable recovery due to concerted conservation efforts, reaching an estimated 3,682 by 2022.At Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve—where Thapar first developed his passion for tigers—the population rebounded from a mere 15 in 2006 to approximately 70 by 2022. His legacy continues to inspire conservationists and citizens alike in the ongoing fight to protect India's wildlife.
