Obituary: Valmik Thapar, India's tiger man and conservationist extraordinaire

Valmik Thapar, India’s most prominent tiger conservationist, particularly known for his tireless work to protect the big cats, breathed his last in New Delhi on Saturday, 31 May. The 73-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer last year. Despite his illness, however, he remained a towering presence in India’s conservation landscape until the end.

Thapar dedicated his life to wildlife conservation, working closely with both governmental and non-governmental organisations since the mid-1970s. Over the decades, he served on more than 150 committees of the Central and state governments, influencing key policies and conservation strategies.

Over the course of his life, he authored 32 books, including four on Africa, showcasing his deep engagement with wildlife both in India and abroad. Among his most notable works are Living With Tigers and The Secret Life of Tigers, which offered rare insights into the lives of tigers in the wild, based on decades of close observation and field experience.

Through his writings, Thapar combined scientific observation with storytelling, bringing the world of tigers vividly to life for readers and raising awareness about the urgent need for their conservation. His books have been instrumental in educating generations about the importance of protecting India’s wildlife and forests.

Valmik Thapar, a legendary figure in the world of conservation over the past four decades - especially tigers - has just passed away. It is a great loss.

Today's Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly… pic.twitter.com/6TP60wMleo

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 31, 2025

Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh paid tribute to Valmik Thapar, stating: “Valmik Thapar, a legendary figure in the world of conservation over the past four decades — especially tigers — has just passed away. It is a great loss.

"Today's Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly knowledgeable on a variety of issues relating to biodiversity and not a day passed during my Ministerial tenure without our talking to each other - with me almost always at the receiving end," Ramesh wrote on X.

Thapar’s passing has been deeply felt across the conservation and political communities. His relentless efforts to safeguard India’s wildlife, particularly tigers, spanned more than 40 years. As someone who collaborated with government bodies and influenced policy at the highest levels, Thapar’s contributions were not just scientific or literary — they were institutional and lasting.

Thapar’s deep expertise and commitment extended far beyond his primary base in Rajasthan. While he was most closely associated with Ranthambhore, where he spent decades observing and documenting wild tigers, his guidance and advocacy significantly benefited protected areas across India. His role in shaping the recovery and management strategies of places like Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve stands as a testament to his national influence.

Koustubh Sharma, conservation science director at the Snow Leopard Trust, shared a deeply personal tribute to Valmik Thapar, recalling a transformative moment that shaped his own journey in conservation.

So many losses this week to India’s #conservation community .. #Valmikthapar known for bringing brand #Tigers to the forefront has passed away ☹️as a member of the central empowered committee many landmark judgments were made apart from his books & films
Photo- outlook traveller pic.twitter.com/0iZPS1ukAE

— Bahar Dutt (@bahardutt) May 31, 2025

Thapar’s influence extended beyond policy and fieldwork — he inspired a generation. Stories like Sharma’s underscore how Thapar’s passion for wildlife didn’t just protect species, but also planted seeds in the minds of young conservationists who went on to dedicate their own lives to the natural world.

His legacy is not only found in the forests he fought for, but in the people he empowered to speak up and take action.

Thapar's work bridged grassroots conservation, policy-making, and public engagement, making him one of the most impactful figures in India's environmental history.