The year 2025 has marked a turning point for wildlife conservation in India, with multiple significant developments that emphasize the nation’s growing commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity. The first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment was released, providing invaluable insights into the conservation status of this elusive species. In addition, the establishment of new tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh reflects a robust effort to protect these majestic predators. Another groundbreaking achievement includes the radio tagging of Ganges River dolphins for the first time, a move that will help deepen our understanding of their habits and improve conservation measures. India also saw the addition of new Ramsar sites, reinforcing its commitment to wetland protection. Furthermore, the reclassification of the King Cobra into four distinct species adds to the growing body of research aimed at understanding and conserving this iconic reptile. Together, these milestones highlight India’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its natural heritage.
Snow Leopard Population Assessment Report
The first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SPAI) report was released in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in snow leopard conservation in India. The study revealed that there are approximately 718 snow leopards across India, with a focus on the trans-Himalayan region, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The assessment covered 120,000 km² and involved deploying 1,971 camera traps, resulting in the identification of 241 individual leopards. The study aims to enhance conservation strategies through periodic population estimates and better monitoring. More details are available in the full report here.
Establishment of New Tiger Reserves
Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh:
In 2025, the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh were officially designated as a tiger reserve, becoming India’s 56th tiger reserve and the third largest in the country. Spanning over 2,829 square kilometers, the reserve lies in the ecologically rich region of central India and serves as a crucial wildlife corridor between the Bandhavgarh and Palamau Tiger Reserves. The region’s dense forests, grasslands, and waterbodies offer ideal habitats for not just tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, and various deer species. Besides its biodiversity, the reserve holds significance for its tribal communities, whose harmonious coexistence with nature enriches its ecological fabric.
Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Another area known as Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was declared the state’s 8th tiger reserve in year 2025, marking another significant milestone in India’s wildlife conservation efforts. Spanning over 890 square kilometers, Ratapani serves as a vital corridor connecting the tiger populations of Panna and Satpura Tiger Reserves, thereby enhancing gene flow and ecological stability. The reserve is characterized by its lush teak forests, rocky terrains, and the serene Halali Reservoir, which supports diverse fauna, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears. This declaration highlights the growing focus on preserving critical habitats within Madhya Pradesh, a state already celebrated as the “Tiger State” of India and strengthens its contribution to Project Tiger and long-term biodiversity conservation. Visit to book tiger safari tours in India.
First-Ever River Dolphin Tagging
In 2024, India achieved a major milestone in river dolphin conservation with the first-ever radio tagging of Ganges River dolphins in Assam. This initiative was undertaken to enhance understanding of the species’ movement, habitat preferences, and behavior in the Brahmaputra River. Scientists successfully fitted radio transmitters on select dolphins, enabling real-time tracking and detailed data collection, which will be instrumental in identifying critical habitats and migration patterns. The Ganges River dolphin, a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is critically endangered due to habitat degradation, pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and human disturbances like sand mining. This pioneering effort not only marks a significant step toward addressing these challenges but also sets a benchmark for future aquatic wildlife research in India. It aligns with the National Dolphin Action Plan, aimed at protecting this “Tiger of the Rivers,” and strengthens India’s commitment to safeguarding its freshwater biodiversity. The findings from this study are expected to guide policies for habitat restoration and community involvement in dolphin conservation efforts.
Addition of New Ramsar Sites
In 2024, India added three new wetlands to its list of Ramsar Sites: Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary and Koothankulam Wetland Complex in Tamil Nadu, and Hirekera Wetland in Karnataka, increasing the country’s Ramsar Sites to 85, covering around 14 lakh hectares. Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, Asia’s largest community-managed bird sanctuary, is a critical breeding and wintering site for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks, contributing significantly to bird conservation, ecotourism, and local livelihoods. The Koothankulam Wetland Complex, a network of waterbodies and marshes, serves as a biodiversity hotspot supporting waterfowl, migratory birds, and aquatic species, while sustaining agriculture and fishing. Hirekera Wetland, located in the semi-arid zone of Karnataka, plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, flood control, and climate change mitigation, while supporting diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds. These additions emphasize India’s commitment to preserving its aquatic ecosystems and their ecological, cultural, and economic importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Reclassification of the King Cobra
In 2024, the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the world’s longest venomous snake, was reclassified into four distinct species based on groundbreaking research. This reclassification, led by scientists using genetic analysis and morphological studies, revealed significant variations among populations in different geographical regions, including Southeast Asia and India. One of these newly identified species is endemic to the Western Ghats, further highlighting the biodiversity hotspot’s ecological significance and its role as a cradle for unique species. This discovery not only underscores the diversity within what was once considered a single species but also emphasizes the importance of region-specific conservation strategies. As these majestic snakes face increasing threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, the findings provide crucial data for creating targeted protection policies. It also reinforces the broader necessity for detailed taxonomic studies to better understand and conserve India’s rich herpetofauna and ensure the survival of these apex predators in their natural ecosystems.
To conclude, the conservation milestones of 2024-2025 reflect India’s proactive steps towards wildlife protection and research. With groundbreaking initiatives like the Snow Leopard population report, the creation of new tiger reserves, and the radio tagging of river dolphins, the country is making significant strides in understanding and conserving its diverse species. Additionally, the expansion of Ramsar sites emphasize India’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability. The science-based conservation is reflected in the reclassification of King Cobra in four distinct species. These achievements demonstrate the nation’s collective effort to safeguard its biodiversity for future generations.
Mr. Vibhav Srivastava is a seasoned wildlife biologist and ecotourism professional with over 20 years of experience across wildlife research, forest management, conservation education, and sustainable tourism in India.
Currently at Nature Safari India, he curates immersive wildlife experiences, leads conservation communication, and designs educational outreach programs. His expertise spans both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, with extensive field work in all major wildlife landscapes of Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern India. Notable contributions include all-India tiger monitoring with the Wildlife Institute of India, community-based conservation initiatives, and training forest staff and nature guides.
He has held key roles with RARE India, National Zoological Park (New Delhi), Le Passage to India, Tiger Protection Group, and served as Chief Naturalist at Kanha National Park, deepening his expertise in biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife interactions.
An accomplished educator and communicator, Mr. Srivastava has delivered over 30 lectures at prestigious institutions including Delhi University, BHU, Amity University, and IITTM. He is a published author and researcher, with co-authored books, scientific publications, and paper presentations at national seminars. His work consistently bridges conservation science, community engagement, and responsible tourism.
He holds a Master’s degree in Botany, has received professional training from the Wildlife Institute of India, and was nominated among the top five naturalists in India for the TOFT Best Naturalist Award.
