In the early 1970s, Indian tigers were heavily hunted, which brought the species to the verge of extinction - only around 1,800 individuals remained (in the 1930s, the tiger population was estimated at around 40,000).

The Indian Prime Minister at the time, Indira Gandhi, banned hunting, and with her blessing, 15 reserves were established throughout the country to help the tiger population recover in its natural environment. Under strict supervision, this is exactly what happened.

A tiger researcher explained to the BBC that in the 1990s, the number of animals had grown to 4,000. But, unfortunately, active poaching has resumed, which again raises concerns about the future of the big cat.