India has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, visited by a lot of travel and wildlife enthusiasts. The wildlife safaris facilitate exploring a wide range of flora and fauna species in the forest. However, sighting he big cats always remains the star attraction in every safari. Tourists embarking on the safari rides deeply expect to spot at least one big cat. Tigers, lions, leopards and panthers are the most fascinating sights during a safari. Among the big cats, the tiger population is the highest in the country and is spotted in almost every national park. Since the wildlife reserves are the protected areas that conserve the wildlife population, there are certain sets of rules and regulations applicable to both tourists as well as the first department.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was formed following the 2006 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Its primary role is to strengthen the implementation of Project Tiger and ensure that its recommendations are effectively carried out. The NTCA works to promote accountability in the management of tiger reserves by both central and state governments while also addressing the livelihood concerns of communities living near these reserves. With tiger body parts fetching high prices in illegal markets, poaching remains a major threat to India’s tiger population. To combat this, the NTCA collaborates closely with agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and police departments, issuing alerts and coordinating efforts to curb wildlife crimes and ensure the long-term protection of India’s tigers.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made it clear that naming tigers is not allowed. Instead, every tiger in India is given a unique identification code made up of letters and numbers. The letter indicates the tiger reserve it belongs to, and the number shows its order of birth or discovery. For instance, tigers in Ranthambore are identified as T1, T2, T3, and so on, while those in Panna start with the letter P. When a new cub is born, it receives the next available number in the series. Even if a tiger dies, its number remains retired and is never used again.
Despite these rules, forest staff and locals often continue the tradition of naming tigers. For many, it’s simply easier to remember them by name rather than by code. These names also help generate excitement among tourists, making certain tigers local celebrities. Over time, forest rangers and guides form emotional attachments to the animals they regularly monitor, which further encourages this practice.
However, naming tigers can have dangerous consequences. In 2021, Panna National Park lost one of its most recognised tigers, Heera. His body was found mutilated and floating in a lake after being electrocuted. According to forest officials, the accused didn’t intend to kill him but believed his skin would sell for a high price, panicked, and tried to dispose of the body. Experts warn that giving tigers names creates fame and fascination around certain individuals, making them more attractive targets for poachers. Tigers with popular names like Charger, Gabbar, Ustad, and Bajrang are often viewed as prized trophies, increasing their risk.
Wildlife specialists also say that naming wild animals makes it easier for people to see them as “personalities” rather than wild creatures. This emotional connection can complicate important conservation decisions. When a named animal is involved in a conflict or rehabilitation effort, the public often reacts more strongly. Such emotional responses can interfere with balanced conservation policies.
Researchers Amy Dickman and Alayne Cotterill from Lion Landscapes pointed out that while big cats are majestic, they also pose serious conservation challenges and can threaten lives and livelihoods. According to conservation officials, naming specific animals can also shift focus away from the broader goal of protecting entire species and habitats. “A wildlife reserve’s entire identity sometimes starts revolving around one or two well-known animals,” said an environment ministry official. “People forget that the real purpose is to conserve the entire population, not just a few famous individuals.”
