New Delhi- India continues to show promising results in wildlife conservation with a steady increase in the populations of key species such as tigers, lions and elephants. According to data shared in the Rajya Sabha, the All India Tiger Estimation conducted in 2022 revealed a rise in tiger numbers to 3682, up from 2967 in 2018. Similarly, Gujarat’s latest lion census in 2025 recorded a population of 891 Asiatic lions, marking significant growth from 674 in 2020. The last comprehensive elephant census conducted in 2017 placed the elephant population at 29964, maintaining stable numbers compared to previous estimates.
The country has designated 58 tiger reserves, occupying around 2.5 percent of India’s geographical area, as part of its ongoing commitment to tiger conservation. Gujarat has created a second habitat for lions at Barda and is working on grassland development and habitat improvement outside protected zones to support the growing lion population. For elephant conservation, 33 elephant reserves have been notified across 14 states, aimed at protecting migratory corridors and reducing human-elephant conflict.
India’s approach to managing human-wildlife conflict includes maintaining a network of protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, issuing advisories and guidelines for states and union territories, deploying rapid response teams, and encouraging coordination between departments. The Ministry of Environment has also issued species-specific guidelines and supports states with financial assistance for compensation, creation of physical barriers like electric fencing and walls, and capacity building for forest personnel. The ex gratia amount for fatalities due to wild animal attacks was recently increased from five to ten lakh rupees, with an emphasis on quick disbursal.
To further address conflict, the government has empowered state wildlife authorities under the Wildlife Protection Act to act in cases where animals pose a danger to human life or property. Awareness campaigns, community sensitization, and the use of early-warning systems are also being promoted.
Project Elephant, launched in 1992, continues to focus on the protection of elephants, their habitats and welfare, while also addressing the challenges of human-elephant conflict. The government has also institutionalized a three-pronged strategy to manage human-tiger and human-leopard conflicts. This includes providing material and logistical support to tiger reserves, restricting habitat interventions in areas where tiger numbers are at capacity, and implementing standard operating procedures for emergencies such as straying tigers, livestock attacks and the rehabilitation of tigers in low-density areas.
Support is also provided for the relocation of tigers to less populated reserves and for site-specific habitat improvements through the Project Tiger component under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme. The government’s continuous efforts aim not only to protect India’s wildlife but also to balance conservation with the safety and livelihoods of communities living in proximity to forests.
