Tigers in India have staged a dramatic recovery from the brink of extinction, with the nation now home to the world’s largest wild tiger population—an achievement that has earned international acclaim.
S P Yadav, Director General of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), was honoured with the prestigious Crystal Compass Award, widely referred to as the “geographical Oscar”, for his pivotal role in this conservation success story. The award, instituted by the Russian Geographical Society in 2012, recognises exceptional achievements in the fields of geography, ecology, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
Yadav received the honour at a grand ceremony at the Moscow International House of Music on 29 May. Presenting the award, Vyacheslav Rozhnov, a senior scientist from the Russian Academy of Sciences, hailed Yadav’s efforts in not only reviving the Bengal tiger population in India but also promoting the global cause of tiger conservation.
“This award recognises the achievements of our government, which supports this project, the institutions with which we actively cooperate and the thousands of people working for the benefit of this cause,” Yadav said, giving credit to the nationwide commitment towards preserving the country’s apex predator.
India’s tryst with tiger conservation began in 1973, when it launched Project Tiger to address a rapidly declining tiger population—then teetering on the edge due to rampant poaching, habitat destruction, and escalating conflict between humans and wildlife.
What began with just nine reserves spread over 18,278 square kilometres has now expanded to 58 tiger reserves covering a staggering 84,488 square kilometres across the country. The scale and structure of the programme made it one of the most ambitious and enduring wildlife initiatives in the world.
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From a modest population base in the early years, India’s wild tigers are now surging. The All-India Tiger Estimation 2022 pegged the number of tigers at 3,682, marking a sharp rise from 2,967 in 2018. The population has been growing at an estimated 6 per cent per annum, defying earlier fears of extinction.
“One of the primary reasons why Project Tiger was successful in restoring the tiger population and became a model of wildlife conservation in the world is the continuous support from the government for this initiative,” Yadav said.
Emphasising scientific principles, Dr. Yadav has overseen the implementation of advanced monitoring systems like the Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES). These tools have enhanced the ability to track tiger populations and ensure effective protection measures.
Recognising the importance of local communities in conservation, Dr. Yadav has advocated for eco-development initiatives that involve local populations in conservation efforts. By promoting community participation, these programs aim to balance human needs with wildlife protection.
His leadership of the International Big Cat Alliance, a coalition aimed at securing the future of seven major wild cat species, has been marked by India’s aggressive conservation diplomacy and a push for global cooperation in preserving shared natural heritage.
Yadav’s honour arrives at a moment of heightened global focus on biodiversity and climate resilience. With natural habitats under siege from development and climate-related challenges, the resurgence of India’s tigers serves as a beacon of hope—and a template for countries still struggling to balance ecological priorities with human needs.
Yadav’s award is also symbolic of the silent efforts of thousands of forest guards, conservationists, scientists, and local communities who, often at personal risk, ensure the survival of the species.
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