Roaring for change: Experts reflect on tiger conservation
As India celebrates World Tiger Day 2025, conservationists, experts, and artists have come together to raise awareness about the plight and protection of the Royal Bengal Tiger — a species that, while emblematic of India's wildlife, continues to face grave threats in the wild.
A two-day symposium titled Lord of the Jungle, curated by wildlife photographer and conservation advocate Shiladitya Chaudhury, kicked off on Tuesday at a city club with a compelling blend of dialogue, art, and performance. The event aims to spotlight India's pivotal role in global tiger conservation, given that the country is now home to over 70% of the world's wild tiger population — more than 3,700 big cats.
Despite this remarkable achievement, recent data presents an urgent reality: over 20 tiger deaths have been recorded in just the first four months of this year.
This stark figure has reignited concerns about habitat loss, poaching, and human-animal conflict.
The symposium features keynote sessions by eminent voices in the conservation space, including Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India; Sunil Limaye, Member of the Central Empowered Committee and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra; and Pradeep Vyas, IFS (Retd.), a veteran forest officer.
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Together, they delved into ongoing conservation efforts, policy gaps, and the road ahead for protecting India's national animal.
Actress Gargee Roy Chowdhury was among the other dignitaries. "Saving the tiger isn't just about protecting a species — it's about preserving the soul of our forests," said Gargee who was seen to enjoy the exciting display of the majestic animal through a photography exhibition that will continue till today.
Adding a cultural lens to the conversation, the day also saw a powerful Chhau performance depicting themes of man-animal conflict, reminding attendees of the delicate balance between development and ecology.
The visual centerpiece of the event is a photography exhibition by Shiladitya, showcasing 36 stunning images of tigers captured across Indian reserves over two decades. The exhibit offers not just awe-inspiring visuals but also a poignant reminder of what's at stake.
''Lord of the Jungle is more than an event — it's a reflection of where we stand in the tiger conservation journey. We've come far since the launch of Project Tiger 52 years ago, but the battle is far from over,' said Chaudhury.
As World Tiger Day 2025 unfolds, the message from India's conservation community is clear: while there is much to celebrate, protecting the tiger remains an urgent, collective responsibility.
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