New Delhi: India's famous conservationist, Author and tiger conservation pioneer Valmik Thapar (73) passed away at his residence in Delhi, reports said.
Valmik Thapar was born in New Delhi in 1952. He dedicated his life to the conservation and study of tigers. Thapar was mainly involved in the conservation of tigers in Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
Valmiki's father Romesh Thapar was a famous journalist. Historian Romila Thapar was Valmiki's aunt, as was journalist Karan.
Valmik studied at The Doon School and later graduated with a gold medal in sociology from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi.
Valmik Thapar is married to theatre artiste Sanjana Kapoor and the couple has a son. Sanjana Kapoor is the daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor. Influenced by Fateh Singh Rathore, he was involved in tiger conservation for four decades. He was part of more than 150 government committees and task forces, including the Prime Minister's Wildlife Council.
In 2005, the UPA government appointed Thapar as a member of the Tiger Task Force. The Tiger Task Force was formed to monitor and conserve tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, which was facing a decline in tiger numbers.