Tiger Conservation: The Tiger's New Home Series

Reserves: The Tiger's Protector
There are numerous reserves around the world working on protecting the tiger. A large number of them are found in India. So you can guess that my top 3 choices are from there!

There are 53 tiger reserves in India alone governed by Project Tiger, administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The Project Tiger was formed by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi in 1973. It was put in place to save the tiger species of India, as this animal is India's national symbol and a vital part of their culture. India has currently over 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries of which some have been declared as tiger reserves by the government under the Project Tiger Scheme. Below is just 3 of them:

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
This reserve was established as a national park in 1968 and as a reserve in 1993. It is named after the highest hill in the park (807m), where the Bandhavgarh fort sits. This park offers much more than just wildlife. With historical temples, 10th century shrines and hand-carved caves within tropical forests, steep rocky hills and valleys, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful park in India.

Despite the magnificence, the one thing that draws tourist's attention is the tiger population there that amounts to about 63 tigers (when they were last counted). This park is well known for its Royal Bengal tigers. It is also a natural hub for White tigers! Cool, ha?

Of course, there are other species such as leopards, wild boar, sloth, rhesus monkeys and birds however, the tiger population there is quite something. Needless to say, it is a popular tourist destination!

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
This is the largest national park in Maharashtra with a total reserve area of 1727 km² and created in 1955. It was not well known until recently. This park located in Northern Maharashtra, offers a fascinating view of a jungle in Central India. 

It has two lakes and open waterholes that ensure the population of tigers, all 43 of them (census 2010), are well watered. There are more than 200 bird species here too! It is no wonder that it is the only reserve in India that is open all year!

Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

The Sunderbans is a national park, tiger reserve, biosphere reserve and a wildlife sanctuary all in one! It is located in West Bengal, India and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It is famous for its low-lying mangrove estuary which are the largest in the world! 

The Tiger Reserve has a large number of tiger populations numbering up to 70 of them at the last census! It is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger and generally the largest tiger reserve in the world. Actually, it is reported that there are over 250 tigers in the Sundarbans forest area...you can say its popular with the tigers! So rich is its ecosystem that it was declared a World Heritage Site way back in 1989! Feel free to explore more of Sunderbans here...http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in/web/guest/sunderban-home

There are several other tiger reserves in the world. However, India has proven to host a larger number of them and for this, we need to applaud the good work they are doing to protect these magnificent creatures!

Can i say, बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद (bahut dhanyavaad)

Translated...thank you very much!