Prominent wildlife conservationist and author Valmik Thapar passed away at 73 in his Delhi residence last morning. Thapar was battling cancer after his diagnosis last year.
Thapar was best known for his lifelong dedication to the conservation of wild tigers, especially in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. The author and documentarian, Thapar lobbied vociferously for tougher anti-poaching laws and pushed harder for efforts to protect tiger habitats during his five-decade-long career.
Thapar was the son of noted journalist Romesh Thapar, nephew of renowned historian Romila Thapar, and cousin of journalist Karan Thapar. He later married theatre artist Sanjana Kapoor (daughter of legendary actor Shashi Kapoor), and is survived by their son Hamir.
He was mentored by Fateh Singh Rathore, a legendary figure in Indian conservation and a key member of the original Project Tiger team.
Thapar was part of more than 150 government panels and task forces, including the National Board for Wildlife, which is led by the Prime Minister. In 2005, Thapar was appointed a member of the Tiger Task Force, set up by the UPA government to review the management of tiger reserves following the disappearance of tigers from Sariska Tiger Reserve. When the task force concluded its report, Thapar submitted a dissent note, expressing concern that the report was overly optimistic about the coexistence of tigers and humans.
He was also known for being one of the few who took a critical stance on Project Cheetah, stating that “India lacks the habitat, prey, and expertise” required to sustain African cheetahs in the wild.
Thapar authored or edited over 30 books on Indian wildlife, such as Land of the Tiger: A Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent (1997) and Tiger Fire: 500 Years of the Tiger in India. He also co-produced and presented several documentaries. Most recently, he was featured in the documentary My Tiger Family last year.
‘One of the few who called a spade a spade’
Kedar Gore, Wildlife Conservationist from the Corbett Foundation
Valmik Thapar, one of the most powerful voices that roared for the tiger, is silenced forever. His books, articles, photographs and speeches echoed his deep understanding of the natural world, which he fiercely defended till his last. He was a great inspiration for two generations of wildlife conservationists, who would now carry on this battle for the long-term existence of our national animal. He was among the few in India who could fearlessly call a spade a spade. His passing on is the end of an era. Valmik Thapar will live forever in our hearts and in the forest of Ranthambhore.
‘Reflected the very animal he so deeply respected’
Dr Anish Andheria, President & CEO of Wildlife Conservation Trust
Wildlife Conservation Trust said, “Valmik Thapar was truly synonymous with tigers. His remarkable persona reflected the very animal he so deeply respected. While he could come across as stern, it often gave way to a wonderful, childlike enthusiasm, revealing his profound affection for all things wild and beautiful.
He was known for his unwavering honesty when it came to his views on the governance of India’s forests and forest service. A compulsive writer and documenter of wildlife, his contribution as an author of natural history writings is immense and has been pivotal in inspiring countless people to love wildlife. Direct, infectious, forceful, charismatic, a true defender of wildlife – these words truly capture his essence.
His connection with Ranthambhore was as deep and abiding as that of Fateh Singh Rathore, who served as both his mentor and friend. In recent times, he and his family were spending precious moments observing, videographing, and enjoying tiger behavior at Ranthambhore, their cherished second home.
I will deeply miss his forthright and honest conversations. The fact that his baritone, often filled with urgency, will no longer be heard has brought home the profound realisation — the tiger has lost one of its strongest supporters. Knowing that he is no longer with us, Ranthambhore will never be quite the same for me.
‘Even a few days earlier, he’d sent bold and fearless voice notes’
Dharmendra Khandal, Biologist and Tiger Expert from NGO Tiger Watch on Valmik Thapar
I have had the privilege of observing and learning from Valmik Sir. Since 2011, after Fateh Ji’s (Fateh Singh Rathore) passing, there hasn’t been a single week when we didn’t speak at least four times. Our conversations always revolved around Ranthambhore and its tigers. He was constantly concerned about the conservation of Ranthambhore, especially its tigers. Whenever he visited, he’d go on both the morning and afternoon safaris, and I would sometimes accompany him on those afternoon safaris, which were truly remarkable, especially considering that he was 70 years old.
Between safaris, Valmik Sir never took a break. He would often call me over to his home in Ranthambhore, not to rest, but to engage in deep discussions about Ranthambhore, its tigers, and everything related to wildlife conservation in India. His passion never waned, and even in those moments, his eye was always on the future of Ranthambhore and seeking solutions.
With Valmik Sir, it was not just a safari; It was like attending a masterclass in the wild.
‘His pioneering work significantly contributed to revitalising tiger reserves’
Sunil Limaye, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest ( Maharashtra); member of the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
I had the privilege of associating with the legendary Valmik Thapar since 2007–2008. Our first meeting occurred in 2011 during a visit to Rajasthan for the State Wildlife Board meeting. From that moment, our discussions spanned various topics related to wildlife conservation, particularly focusing on tigers and leopards.
In 2015, I had the opportunity to meet him again. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Maharashtra Forest Department and Sanjay Gandhi National Park in involving local stakeholders and fostering awareness about human-leopard coexistence in urban landscapes.
A few years ago, Valmik reached out to me regarding the controversial decision to capture the famous tiger T24, also known as Ustaad, from Ranthambore due to human-tiger conflict incidents. After a long discussion we concurred that, in the larger interest of both tiger and human safety, the decision to relocate the tiger was the most prudent course of action.
Valmik was a vocal advocate for tiger conservation, and his pioneering work significantly contributed to revitalising tiger reserves across the country. His authored books and wildlife documentaries will continue to perpetuate his legacy.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this time of loss.
