Eminent Tiger Conservationist & Author Valmik Thapar, Dies At 73 (Image: X/ Mallikarjun Kharge)
Valmik Thapar, a pioneering figure in India’s wildlife conservation movement, died on Saturday morning at the age of 73. The celebrated conservationist, who had been battling cancer since last year, breathed his last at his residence in New Delhi.
Over the span of five decades, Thapar became synonymous with tiger conservation in India. His deep commitment to the cause saw him serve on numerous national and state government bodies, including the National Board for Wildlife, and he was an instrumental member of the Tiger Task Force, which was set up after the tragic disappearance of tigers from Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Thapar was a prolific author, having penned 32 books, including notable works such as Living with Tigers and The Secret Life of Tigers. He also gained worldwide recognition for his wildlife documentaries, particularly the iconic BBC series Land of the Tiger (1997), which brought global attention to India’s tigers and their struggle for survival.
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His work often merged the science of conservation with captivating storytelling, making complex environmental issues accessible to the general public.
A former journalist and passionate wildlife activist, Thapar’s journey into conservation began in 1976, following an influential meeting with Fateh Singh Rathore, the then director of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
Together, they forged a powerful partnership that set the foundation for modern-day conservation practices in India. Thapar’s love for the tigers of Ranthambhore remained unwavering, and the reserve itself became one of the most well-known tiger conservation success stories under his guidance.
He founded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1987, which worked to integrate local communities into conservation efforts, providing both environmental and livelihood support.
Beyond his work in Rajasthan, Thapar’s influence reached across India. He played a vital role in revitalizing other national parks, including Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and was a passionate advocate for responsible tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities.
Valmik Thapar’s belief in collaboration between scientists, government bodies, activists, and the media was central to his approach to wildlife conservation.
Despite his success, Thapar was an outspoken critic of the governmental bureaucracy, which he often blamed for hindering conservation efforts. “Bureaucracy kills more tigers than bullets ever did,” he famously said, highlighting the slow and often obstructive nature of the system in protecting India’s natural heritage.
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Thapar’s contributions were not limited to conservation alone. His work extended to policy-making and advocacy, and his views were frequently sought by government bodies, NGOs, and the media. His passion for wildlife protection and his critical insights into biodiversity shaped many of India’s conservation policies over the years.
Valmik Thapar was born in Bombay to Raj Thapar, the founder of the political journal Seminar in 1959, and Romesh Thapar, a prominent journalist and political commentator. He was the nephew of renowned Indian historian Romila Thapar and the cousin of journalist Karan Thapar.
He is survived by his wife, Sanjana Kapoor, and their son, Hamir Thapar. His death marks a significant loss for the conservation community.
In his book Tiger: My Life, Ranthambhore and Beyond (2012), Thapar summed up his lifelong mission: “My fight was always for inviolate spaces—where the tiger could live free, away from noise, away from humans.” His passing is a reminder of the fragility of these spaces and the urgent need to preserve them.
Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge extended their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Valmik Thapar, remembering him as a true pioneer of wildlife conservation.
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of noted conservationist, author and naturalist, Valmik Thapar.
A leading authority on Tiger conservation, he was as one of India’s most respected wildlife experts and was appointed a member of the Tiger Task Force of 2005.
My deepest… pic.twitter.com/xwRfezwCv1
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 31, 2025
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
