Valmik Thapar, India’s ‘Tiger Man’, leaves for happy hunting grounds
Though Thapar’s association with Ranthambore overshadowed many of his other achievements in wildlife conservation, a big credit goes to him for reviving Tadoba
Valmik Thapar, conservationist, author, and astute chronicler of Indian wildlife for the past several decades, breathed his last on Saturday morning (May 31) at the age of 73.
Considered one of the best tiger experts, Thapar worked assiduously for the cause of Indian wildlife, and was associated with several bodies, including the National Board for Wildlife. Besides writing many books, he also made documentary films, such as the critically acclaimed Land of The Tiger for the BBC.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan had a big hold over Thapar. It was from here that he started his journey, first as a wildlife enthusiast some four decades ago and then gradually transforming himself into an authority on tigers.
For years, he was a regular fixture in the grasslands of Ranthambore, often moving alone in a Gypsy or with Fateh Singh Rathore, another tiger authority of India. I would often spot him in Ranthambore.
Thanks to the various books penned by Valmik Thapar as well as his appearances in public functions on environment and wildlife, tiger conservation started gaining currency in a country where people are generally scared of entering a forest.
Also Read: Tiger conservation icon Valmik Thapar passes away at 73
Didn’t mince words
Thapar wore his convictions on his sleeves. He didn’t think much about offending people — even in places of high authority — if they didn’t align with his beliefs on conservation. For instance, his take on the re-introduction of cheetahs in India.
Ever since the Narendra Modi government launched Project Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh, populating its Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary with African cheetahs, Thapar emerged as one of the biggest dissenting voices on the move. It was a foolish step destined to fail, he said repeatedly.
Some of Thapar’s popular books included Tiger Fire: 500 Years of The Tiger in India, Living With Tigers, The Secret Life of Tigers, The Cult Of The Tiger, and The Tiger’s Destiny.
Also Read: Rajaji Park emerges from the shadows of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Finally
Beyond books
Besides being a prolific writer on environment and tigers, Thapar was associated with over 30 government and non-government organisations working for the cause of the environment. During the past three decades, he remained a towering figure in the landscape of Indian conservation and would often be found aligned with any move aimed at saving the big cats.
Reviving Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Although Thapar’s association with Ranthambore overshadowed many of his other notable achievements in the field of wildlife conservation, he played an important role there too. A big credit goes to him for reviving Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra, right now the most popular reserve of the state.
Because of efforts by Thapar and others, Tadoba today ranks alongside Corbett Park, Bandhavgarh and Nagarhole as the best managed tiger reserves of India.
Also Read: 300 km across 2 states: Tiger’s hunt for a mate continues for a month
Thapar was diagnosed with cancer last year. But that did not make him lose his steam or stop his work on the conservation front.
With Thapar’s death, curtains have fallen on one of the last true-blue tiger experts of India. If nothing else, he would have the satisfaction of knowing that the future of the Indian tiger now lay secured.
