Valmik Thapar, famed for his relentless efforts in tiger conservation, passed away on May 31 at his home in New Delhi. His legacy includes a significant increase in India’s tiger population and heartfelt advocacy for the protection of these majestic creatures.
Valmik Thapar, Renowned Indian Tiger Conservationist, Passes Away
Valmik Thapar, Renowned Indian Tiger Conservationist, Passes Away
Valmik Thapar, a passionate advocate for tiger conservation in India, has died at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Valmik Thapar, a revered conservationist and passionate advocate for India’s tigers, passed away on May 31, 2025, at his residence in New Delhi after succumbing to cancer. He was reported to be 72 or 73 years old, though the exact date of his birth remains uncertain. Recognized as a larger-than-life figure, Thapar devoted his life to raising awareness about the plight of tigers in India, a species that has faced severe threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and neglect by governmental policies.
Remembered fondly by colleagues and friends, Thapar believed strongly in providing tigers with “inviolate protected areas” where they could thrive without the pressures of human encroachment. Ravi Singh, the chief executive and secretary general of the World Wildlife Fund-India, described Thapar as an institution unto himself, given his extensive knowledge and his unique ability to communicate the complexities of tiger conservation to the public.
Thapar’s contributions were instrumental during the tiger population crisis, which saw the numbers plummet from around 40,000 in the 1950s to a mere 1,411 by 2006. His advocacy and efforts in conservation led to a remarkable recovery, with tiger numbers soaring to 3,682 in 2022. In the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, a place that sparked Thapar’s love for tigers, the population increased from approximately 15 in 2006 to nearly 70 by 2022, marking significant progress in conservation efforts.
Throughout his career, Thapar used his vast political and media connections to shine a spotlight on the ongoing “tiger crisis,” earning widespread respect from conservationists, government officials, and the public alike. His tireless dedication to protecting India’s national animal will leave a lasting impact on conservation initiatives and inspire future generations to continue the fight for wildlife preservation.
Remembered fondly by colleagues and friends, Thapar believed strongly in providing tigers with “inviolate protected areas” where they could thrive without the pressures of human encroachment. Ravi Singh, the chief executive and secretary general of the World Wildlife Fund-India, described Thapar as an institution unto himself, given his extensive knowledge and his unique ability to communicate the complexities of tiger conservation to the public.
Thapar’s contributions were instrumental during the tiger population crisis, which saw the numbers plummet from around 40,000 in the 1950s to a mere 1,411 by 2006. His advocacy and efforts in conservation led to a remarkable recovery, with tiger numbers soaring to 3,682 in 2022. In the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, a place that sparked Thapar’s love for tigers, the population increased from approximately 15 in 2006 to nearly 70 by 2022, marking significant progress in conservation efforts.
Throughout his career, Thapar used his vast political and media connections to shine a spotlight on the ongoing “tiger crisis,” earning widespread respect from conservationists, government officials, and the public alike. His tireless dedication to protecting India’s national animal will leave a lasting impact on conservation initiatives and inspire future generations to continue the fight for wildlife preservation.
