Kailash Sankhala
Jim Corbett, widely known for his significant contributions to tiger conservation in India, is honored by a prominent tiger reserve in Uttarakhand named after him. However, fewer people are aware of Kailash Sankhala, the "Tiger Man of India," who also made remarkable strides in wildlife preservation.
Kailash Sankhala, an eminent Indian conservationist and wildlife expert, played a crucial role in the protection of tigers in India. His relentless efforts and dedication to preserving India’s national animal have made a lasting impact on the history of tiger conservation.
Born in 1925 in Rajasthan, Kailash Sankhala developed an early passion for nature, especially the Bengal tiger inhabiting India’s forests. This passion drove him to pursue a degree in biology from the University of Rajasthan and a master's in wildlife biology and conservation from the University of Michigan.
In 1953, Sankhala joined the Indian Forest Service, spending two decades working in various wildlife sanctuaries and at the Delhi Zoological Park.
His love for Tigers was always Supreme. In 1973, Kailash Sankhala played a key role in launching Project Tiger, a revolutionary initiative aimed at protecting the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat. This project, started on April 1, 1973, from Jim Corbett National Park, was a response to the severe decline in tiger populations due to poaching and habitat destruction. Sankhala, appointed as the first director, was instrumental in creating tiger reserves, training forest guards, and enforcing anti-poaching laws.
Sankhala believed that tiger conservation required public involvement. He championed educational programs, including documentaries and publications, to raise awareness about tiger protection. His efforts fostered national pride in India’s biodiversity and highlighted the importance of conservation.
Kailash Sankhala’s contributions earned him widespread acclaim, including the Padma Shri award in 1982. His legacy endures through Project Tiger, which has significantly boosted India’s tiger population. Today, India is home to nearly 75% of the world’s wild tigers, a testament to Sankhala’s pioneering efforts.
Sankhala’s work continues to inspire future conservationists, demonstrating the profound impact one person’s dedication can have on global wildlife preservation.