The Tiger Fetish: An obsession that has run its course

The tiger has long been held up as the undisputed symbol of conservation success in India. With Project Tiger celebrated as a triumph, India’s tiger population has seen a remarkable recovery. But this single minded focus on one species has come at a steep price. It has led to a breakdown of relations with local communities living next to tigers, skewed conservation budgets and priorities while neglecting the very human lives and diverse ecosystems that coexist with these animals.This article argues that the reigning conservation model is a myopic and elitist one that elevates a single species above all else. By examining the human toll and the marginalized voices on the front lines of human-wildlife conflict, it challenges the traditional narrative of conservation success. This article highlights how this 'tiger fetish' not only puts human lives at risk but also distracts from a more holistic, equitable approach to preserving biodiversity across the landscape.