Valmik Thapar, India's renowned wildlife conservationist and author, passed away in New Delhi on Saturday. He was 73 years old and had been battling cancer since 2024. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to protecting India’s wildlife, especially its tigers.

For nearly five decades, he had worked to save wild tigers, particularly in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. His deep knowledge, powerful voice, and lifelong efforts helped shape how India thinks about wildlife conservation today.

Thapar’s journey into the wild began in the 1970s. Over the years, he became one of the strongest voices for India’s tigers. He believed strongly in the idea of creating safe spaces for tigers to live freely, away from human disturbance.

In 1987, he co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation, an organization that aimed to bring local communities into conservation efforts. The goal was to help people understand the value of wildlife and give them ways to earn a living without harming nature.

Later, Thapar partnered with Dastkar, a non-profit that supported local crafts and livelihood, to help villagers who had been displaced due to conservation work. These efforts made him a pioneer in connecting wildlife protection with community development.

Thapar was not just a man of the forest, he also made a big impact in policy circles. Over his lifetime, he served on more than 150 government panels and task forces. These included the National Board for Wildlife and the Tiger Task Force, which was set up after tigers disappeared from Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.

Although, he was part of government efforts. Thapar did not shy from speaking his mind. In the Tiger Task Force, he even wrote a dissenting note, warning that forcing tigers and humans to live too closely together could harm conservation. He believed strongly that tigers needed quiet, undisturbed areas to survive.

Author, Filmmaker, and Global Voice

Thapar was also a writer and filmmaker. He wrote and edited over 30 books, including popular titles like Land of the Tiger and Tiger Fire. His 2012 book, Tiger: My Life, Ranthambhore and Beyond, offered personal stories from his time in the wild and laid out his vision for tiger protection.

He also took India’s wildlife to the global stage by co-producing the BBC documentary series "Land of the Tiger", which introduced millions around the world to the beauty and importance of India’s natural heritage.

Tributes from Across the Country

As news of his passing spread, many of the political leaders, conservationists shared their tributes to the Thapar.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his condolences and said he was "deeply saddened to learn about the passing of noted conservationist."

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

Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress leader and former Environment Minister, called Thapar’s death a “great loss". Other politician from Indian National Congress, Jairam Ramesh said,.

“Today’s Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly knowledgeable on variety of issues relating to biodiversity."

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

Conservation biologist Neha Sinha described Thapar as “the international voice of Indian tigers for many many years,” while author and conservationist Nirmal Ghosh said he had left “a lasting legacy as a global spokesman for the tiger”.

"As a tribute to him, do read the many books he penned on tigers: ‘Tiger Fire’, ‘Living with Tigers’ and others," mentioned Neha Sinha.

Rest in Peace, Valmik Thapar, the international voice of Indian tigers for many many years.

As a tribute to him, do read the many books he penned on tigers: ‘Tiger Fire’, ‘Living with Tigers’ and others. pic.twitter.com/SJJzZeELYn
— Neha Sinha (@nehaa_sinha) May 31, 2025

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