On international tiger day, increasing population of wild cats puts smile on wildlife lovers faces

New Delhi: Today the world is celebrating International Tiger Day. Animal lovers celebrate this day on July 29 every year just to generate awareness towards the dwindling population of Tigers.

India is home to 51 Tiger reserves spread across 18 states. The last Tiger census of 2018 showed a rise in the Tiger population. India achieved the target of doubling of tiger population 4 years ahead of schedule of the St. Petersburg Declaration on tiger Conservation.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) says that over the last 150 years, numbers of the wild Tigers droped by more than 95%, though for the first time in their conservation history, WWF has observed that their numbers are on increase.The total population of Tigers around the world is known to be 3900. In india population of the Tigers is 3000.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation on International Tiger Day. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “On #InternationalTigerDay, greetings to wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about Tiger conservation. Home to over 70% of the tiger population globally, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring safe habitats for our Tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco-systems.

India’s strategy of Tiger conservation attaches topmost importance to involving local communities. We are also inspired by our centuries old ethos of living in harmony with all flora and fauna with whom we share our great planet.”

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar shared an important message with his followers on Instagram regarding Tiger conservation. Tendulkar also posted a few throwback pictures on Instagram from his Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve visit, along with a short clip. "Always a treat to witness these magnificent big cats in the wild. We have to do all that it takes to protect them as the existence of our jungles depends on them," Tendulkar captioned his post.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also celebrated International Tigers Day by sharing a note on Twitter. “Target Achieved • Doubling of tiger population 4 years ahead of schedule of the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation. • Home to 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states Visit & Discover! #InternationalTigerDay”

Former India captain Anil Kumble, who is known for his wildlife photography skills, also marked the occasion by sharing a snap of a tiger on his official Instagram handle.

The United States has held more Tigers in captivity than there are out in the wild.