India has achieved a monumental milestone in wildlife conservation, showcasing a “Tiger Leap” in its population over the last 16 years. In 2006, the national tiger count had plummeted to a worrying 1,411, leading to fears of extinction. However, by 2026, thanks to the relentless efforts of ‘Project Tiger’ and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the numbers have more than doubled, crossing the 3,600 mark.

A significant part of this success story belongs to the Sundarbans in West Bengal, where the tiger count has jumped from around 70 in 2010 to over 100 in the latest census. States like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand have also reported a steady rise. This remarkable recovery is attributed to habitat restoration, strict anti-poaching laws, and community involvement. Today, India proudly hosts 75% of the world’s wild tigers, making it a global leader in protecting this majestic species.