The magnificent Tiger Panthera tigris (linnaeus), the National Animal of India is a rich-colored well-striped animal with a short coat. The combination of grace, strength and power has earned the tiger great respect and high esteem. Indian tigers are famous all over the world and one of the main attractions for the lovers of wild life. They are the crowning glory and the light of the Indian wild life. The natives of the forest worship the tiger as the deity that gives them honey and wax. Tigers are fast runners, excellent swimmers and their eyesight is strong.
To check the dwindling population of tigers in India, which came down to just 1,827 in 1972, massive conservation program was initiated in April 1973, known as the 'Project Tiger'. This project aims to maintain a viable population of tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values. Since then, the tiger population has shown a gradual increase and the census of 1989 puts the tiger population of the country at 4,334. So far, 19 tiger reserves have been established in the country under this project, covering over 29, 716 sq. km. forest area.
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