Tiger conservation pioneer Valmik Thapar dies at 73

VALMIK Thapar, one of India's most eminent wildlife conservationists and authors, died at his residence Saturday morning. He was 73.

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Born in New Delhi in 1952, Thapar dedicated his life to the study and conservation of wild tigers, especially in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park.

He co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1988, a non-governmental organisation focused on community-based conservation efforts.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed his death a great loss.

"Today's Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly knowledgeable on a variety of issues relating to biodiversity, and not a day passed during my Ministerial tenure without our talking to each other, with me almost always at the receiving end," Ramesh posted on X.

He said that during his tenure as chairman of the Standing Committee, Thapar was a constant source of valuable suggestions and advice.

Thapar's father, RomeshThapar, was a well-known journalist. His aunt is historian RomilaThapar, and his cousin, journalist Karan Thapar.