18 October 2026
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The Tiger Man Of India Reveals Many Gems

In a candid conversation, Director General of the International Big Cat Alliance, Dr. SP Yadav, a 1989 batch IFS officer, reveals little-known facts about his journey as an IFS, tiger watching, conservation, and environmental protection. This is the first part of the interview.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Have you ever watched a tiger in the wild? There is not a bigger ecstatic moment for wildlife lovers than spotting a the biggest and most ferocious camouflaged in its natural habitat. But, it isn’t easy. People take dozens of forest safaris before they are lucky enough to have a darshan of Sher Khan. So, is there a formula to watch the tiger in the wild?

Director General of the International Big Cat Alliance, Dr. SP Yadav, spoke to the Indian Masterminds about everything about one of the most secretive carnivores, as well as about his own life, selection in the IFS, training, career, love for wildlife, and of course cricket.

Dr Yadav, in his previous role as Director General of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has been a pioneering figure not only in the creation of new Tiger Reserves in the country but also in the re-introduction of Cheetahs after 74 years.

Dr Yadav has also empowered the tribal painters staying inside Tiger Reserves by fetching them a good price for their paintings. He also plans to organise an exhibition of these paintings abroad and auction them through an international auction house like Southby or Christies.

The veteran forester has written a couple of books: Tigers & Tribes, A Silent Conversation (on various tribes, their origin, behavioural pattern, and their paintings), and The Return of Chitrakayah on the reintroduction of Cheetahs in India.


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