India marks International Tiger Day

The International Tiger Day is being observed in India along with other countries today.

The occasion, celebrated every year on July 29, aims to raise awareness about the falling number of tigers worldwide.

India has been able to reach the goal of doubling its tiger population four years before schedule, said PM Modi marking the occasion. The schedule adheres to per the Saint Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation signed in 2010.


"On #InternationalTigerDay, greetings to wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation. Home to over 70 per cent of the tiger population globally, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring safe habitats for our tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco-systems," Modi tweeted.

In may be mentioned here that India's last tiger census (2018) highlighted a rise in its tiger population.

"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 PM tweeted.

Tiger is India's national animal. Before the 2018 census, the country's tiger population had seen a drop owing to man-animal conflict, loss of habitat and illegal trade in wildlife.