Project Tiger is a tiger conservation programme launched on April 1, 1973 by the Government of India during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of the Bengal tiger in its natural habitats, protecting it from extinction, and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage that represent the diversity of ecosystems across the tiger's range in the country.
| Tiger Reserve | State | Year of Establishment |
| Corbett Tiger Reserve | Uttarakhand | 1973 |
| Bandipur Tiger Reserve | Karnataka | 1973 |
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 1973 |
| Manas Tiger Reserve | Assam | 1973 |
| Sunderbans Tiger Reserve | West Bengal | 1973 |
| Melghat Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra | 1973 |
| Ranthambore Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan | 1973 |
| Palamau Tiger Reserve | Jharkhand | 1973 |
| Similipal Tiger Reserve | Odisha | 1973 |
| Periyar Tiger Reserve | Kerela | 1978 |
Since its inception, Project Tiger has been a success in terms of increasing the tiger population in India. The first tiger census in 1972 estimated the population to be around 1,827. By 2018, the number had increased to 2,967. This is a significant achievement, considering that the tiger is an endangered species.
Project Tiger has also been successful in reducing poaching and illegal trade in tiger parts. In the early years of the project, poaching was a major threat to the tiger population. However, thanks to increased patrolling and awareness campaigns, poaching has been significantly reduced.
Project Tiger has also had a positive impact on the local communities living in and around tiger reserves. The project has provided employment opportunities to local people, and has also helped to protect the forests and wildlife that these communities depend on.
Overall, Project Tiger has been a successful conservation program that has helped to save the tiger from extinction. The project has also had a positive impact on the local communities living in and around tiger reserves.
In recent years, the project has been facing some challenges, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, and climate change. However, the government of India is committed to the continued success of Project Tiger, and has taken steps to address these challenges.
The 50th anniversary of Project Tiger was celebrated in 2023. On this occasion, the government of India announced that it would be adding 5 new tiger reserves to the project. This is a positive step that will help to ensure the long-term survival of the tiger in India.