Bengal tiger! The name itself inspires majesty and pride. India is proud to be a home to them.  But then, why are special efforts required to conserve them?
Bengal tigers are at the top of the wild food chain. When tigers are safe, many other environmental factors are protected. Research has shown that with one tiger we can protect almost 25000 acres of forest. 
A well balanced eco system can cater both men and animals sufficiently with food, water and climate. It is the National Animal of Both India and Bangladesh. This royal animal is now belongs to the endangered category of UN list.
A century ago, tigers were all across the Indian subcontinent. Rising human population, farming, development and spread of infrastructure activities led to a major decline in tiger habitat. This forced tigers to scatter into small and divided habitats.
International ban on tiger trade began in 1993. Even after this ban, the illegal demand for tigers is increasing. People use tiger skin as status symbols, decorative items, leading increased poaching activities. Poaching done for the international illegal wildlife trade is the largest immediate threat to the remaining tiger population.
Apart from direct harm to the tigers, they are suffering due to loss of natural prey like deer and other animals. Human are poaching dears for food, clothing and other industries. It is affecting food chain adversely, keeping tigers deprived of their own food. This all is leading to the increase in numbers of tiger’s attacks on humans and their encroachment in cities.
As per 2011 survey around 2500 Bengal tigers of these species are alive on the earth with a decreasing trend. Out of these numbers around 1900 Bengal tigers are in India. Their numbers are increasing owing to the conservation initiative by Indian government. 
As per the recent statement by Indian Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav, 70% of world’s tiger population is in India. Presently India habitats around 2226 tigers spread across 48 sanctuaries across 17 states.
India being a habitat of world’s largest together population has taken some firm steps to conserve tigers and to protect their habitat from human activities. ‘Project Tiger’ is one such step. Launched in 1973, project’s main motto is to ensure the safety of tiger’s population in their natural habitat for economic, scientific, cultural, aesthetic and ecological values.
Indian government has also set up a Tiger Protection Force to tackle poachers and minimize human – tiger conflicts. On more such initiative is ‘India Tiger’. It focuses on tourism industry and spreads awareness among tourists about importance of tigers to eco system and human existence. It connects various tourism activities to conservation programs.
Tiger reserves in India, especially the Kanha, Corbett and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves are taking enormous efforts to save the tiger. 
Let this Wild Royalty live in its habitat safely.