India's conservation community is mourning the loss of Valmik Thapar, a towering figure in tiger conservation, who passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 73, after a battle with cancer. Thapar dedicated over five decades of his life to the study, protection, and advocacy for wild tigers, particularly those in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. His work has left an indelible mark on India's conservation landscape, inspiring generations to join the cause of wildlife preservation.
Born in 1952 into a family of prominent intellectuals, Thapar's father, Romesh Thapar, founded the influential political journal Seminar, and his aunt was the esteemed historian Romila Thapar. Despite his privileged background, it was a chance encounter with a tiger in the wilds of Ranthambore in the 1970s that set him on his life's path. He found a mentor in Fateh Singh Rathore, the then-director of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and immersed himself in the world of tiger conservation. Although he had no formal training in wildlife biology, Thapar developed a profound understanding of tiger behavior through extensive fieldwork, keen observation, and a deep connection with the animals he studied.
Thapar's approach to conservation was multifaceted. He was a prolific author, penning over 30 books on tigers, nature, and wildlife. These books, including acclaimed titles such as Land of the Tiger, Tiger: The Ultimate Guide, The Secret Life of Tigers, and Tiger Fire: 500 Years of the Tiger in India, combined ecological insight with compelling narratives, making them accessible and inspiring to a wide audience. He also produced and presented several internationally broadcast documentaries for the BBC, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and Doordarshan. His landmark documentary series, Land of the Tiger, is considered one of the most powerful visual chronicles of India's wild heritage.
Beyond his work as an author and filmmaker, Thapar was a tireless advocate for tiger conservation, serving on more than 150 government committees and task forces, including the National Board for Wildlife and the Project Tiger steering committee. He used his position to push for stronger anti-poaching laws, increased protection of tiger habitats, and greater transparency and accountability in conservation governance. He was known for his outspokenness and his willingness to challenge the status quo, often criticizing bureaucratic inefficiencies and advocating for inviolate spaces free from human interference for tigers to thrive.
Thapar's influence extended beyond policy and advocacy. In 1988, he co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to integrating local communities into conservation efforts. The foundation worked with nearly 100 villages around the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, promoting healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihoods. This community-based approach became a model for balancing wildlife protection with human welfare, demonstrating that conservation need not pit people against animals.
His detailed chronicles of Ranthambhore's tigers, particularly tigresses like Machli, Padmini, and Krishna, read less like field notes and more like family histories. In these accounts, he observed behaviors that helped rewrite scientific understanding of tigers: Males caring for cubs, hunting in water, and even complex territorial dynamics.
Valmik Thapar's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the conservation of India's tigers. He combined a deep understanding of tiger ecology with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to advocacy, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight to protect these magnificent creatures. His work has helped to transform Ranthambore into one of India's most successful tiger reserves, and his influence will continue to be felt in the conservation community for generations to come.
