Bengal tiger, Ranthambore National Park, India

© Andy Rouse/Minden Picture

Bengal tiger, India

The Bengal tiger, an iconic and endangered subspecies primarily found in India, is the star of today's image. India is home to the world's highest tiger population, which lives in a wide range of habitats. The Bengal tiger, the most common tiger in India and the national animal of the country, thrives there. As apex predators, Bengal tigers play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of deer, wild boar and bison. With an estimated population between 2,500 and 3,000 of in the wild, raising awareness about tiger conservation is crucial to secure the future of this majestic species, the true kings of the jungle. There is a pressing need to protect these magnificent animals from the various challenges they face, such as habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and poaching.