New Delhi, 31 May

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

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, Romesh Thapar, was a well-known journalist. His aunt is historian Romila Thapar, and his cousin, journalist Karan Thapar.

He studied at The Doon School and later graduated with a gold medal in sociology from St Stephen’s College, Delhi University.

Thapar married theatre artist Sanjana Kapoor, daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor, and they have a son.

Thapar was mentored by Fateh Singh Rathore, a legendary figure in Indian conservation and a key member of the original Project Tiger team.

Over his five-decade-long career, Thapar strongly lobbied for tougher anti-poaching rules and efforts to protect tiger habitats.

He 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.