On July 29, 2025, International Tiger Day was celebrated with energy, purpose, and collaboration across tiger landscapes in India. This year’s observance saw innovative conservation initiatives, community engagement, and youth-led awareness campaigns—all reinforcing the shared mission to protect the tiger and its habitat. Here’s a look at a few highlights from the field.

Sundarbans, West Bengal

In a significant step toward safeguarding human and tiger lives in high-risk human-tiger interaction areas in the Sundarbans, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the South 24 Parganas Forest Division, West Bengal Forest Department, Government of West Bengal, and Lokamata Rani Rashmoni Mission (LRRM), Nimpith, with support from IUCN, KFW Development Bank and German Cooperation, launched a GPS-enabled SOS Alarm System and Speed-Boat Community Support Unit to improve the safety of livelihood practices of local communities in the Kultali Block of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.

Inaugurated at Jharkhali, this life-saving initiative addresses the urgent need for rapid medical aid and crisis response in remote areas prone to accidental human-tiger interactions, particularly in the Raidighi Range, where fish and crab harvesters regularly face the risk of accidental attack from tigers. A single button press triggers a coordinated response from WTI, trained medical staff, and forest department personnel—delivered swiftly via a specially equipped speedboat.

This mobile response unit is designed to provide on-the-spot medical aid and rapid evacuation in the Raidighi Range, a hotspot for human-wildlife interactions.

The GPS-enabled alarm system and speed-boat-based community support has been launched in Kultali Block of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve | Photo by Adil Arif/WTI

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), Uttar Pradesh

At the Gerua Nature Interpretation Centre, KWLS, a special event brought together 42 students, teachers, forest officials, WTI staff, WWF team members, and media representatives. A cleanliness drive at the eco-tourism campus kicked off the day, highlighting environmental stewardship. 

This was followed by a brief and engaging presentation by the WTI team, highlighting the importance of tigers and their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. A five-round quiz competition was then conducted among students, each team representing their respective forest ranges. 

Khutar Range, Uttar Pradesh

In Bilandapur village, located within the Khutar Range of the Sahajahapur Social Forestry Division,  WTI’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) conducted a technical training program for 65 forest personnel, including Range Officers, Forest Guards, and trackers. The training focused on human-wildlife conflict mitigation, real-time response strategies, and community coordination.

The event also saw 20 local village representatives engage in dialogue, making this a holistic capacity-building and community-empowerment initiative. A symbolic tree plantation ceremony opened the session, reinforcing the vital connection between forests and tiger survival.

Gondia, Maharashtra

WTI brought the Tiger Day spirit to life at Shahid Janya Timya Junior College, Goregaon, where students kicked off the day with a ‘Run for Tigers’ marathon, spreading awareness across the community.

Over 320 students participated in quiz competitions, a wildlife-themed film screening, and an interactive session which covered real-life human-wildlife conflict scenarios, encouraging critical thinking and dialogue around coexistence and conservation responsibility.

Run for Tigers marathon organised in Gondia| Photo by Team WTI

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), Bihar

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Division-I) and WTI co-organised a U-19 Women’s Friendly Football Match titled the Sher Khan Cup at Semri Stadium, featuring players from Tharu and Oraon tribal communities.

The event, themed “Dhaariyon ka Jashn” (Celebration of Stripes), also included a plantation drive and messages against snaring and electrocution by the forest department and other dignitaries. Notable guest Gautam Kumar, a national-level weightlifter from West Champaran, encouraged the formation of youth conservation groups. With over 179 attendees, the event underscored the strong cultural ties between local communities and tiger conservation.

U-19 Women’s Friendly Cricket Match kicked off to celebrate Tiger Day | Photo by Team WTI

Raimona National Park, Assam

At Raimona National Park, the day brought exciting news: the park’s tiger population has grown from a single individual to six confirmed tigers. This milestone highlights the success of focused conservation efforts, strong community involvement, and the dedication of forest staff.

International Tiger Day 2025 demonstrated that tiger conservation in India is not just about numbers—it’s about people, participation, and proactive measures. Saving tigers is a shared mission—and it begins on the ground.