When Was the Bengal Tiger Declared India's National Animal?

The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was officially declared the national animal of India in April 1973.

This decision was made by the Indian Board for Wildlife at a meeting in response to the tiger's dwindling population. This declaration replaced the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo leo), which had been India's national animal until that time. The switch was pivotal, as it coincided directly with the launch of "Project Tiger," a massive, dedicated conservation initiative to save the species from extinction.