World Wildlife Day 2026: PM Modi reaffirms commitment to wildlife conservation

In a series of social media posts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings on World Wildlife Day, reiterating the importance of protecting the planet’s rich faunal diversity that enriches our planet and sustains our ecosystems. He said it is a day to acknowledge everyone working towards wildlife protection and reaffirm our commitment to conservation, sustainable practices and protecting habitats so that wildlife continues to thrive.

The Prime Minister noted that India cherishes being home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife. He highlighted that India is home to over 70% of the world’s tiger population, has the largest population of the one-horned rhino and the maximum number of Asiatic elephants. He further stated that India is the only place in the world where the majestic Asiatic lion thrives.

The Prime Minister underlined that the Government has undertaken numerous efforts for wildlife protection. These include the setting up of the International Big Cat Alliance as an exceptional forum to share best practices with fellow nations. Other efforts include initiatives aimed at protecting the Great Indian Bustard, Gharial and Sloth Bear, as well as the translocation of cheetahs.

Emphasising India’s cultural ethos, the Prime Minister said that our scriptures pray for the welfare of all living beings and inspire sensitivity towards wildlife along with conservation.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, marked the World Wildlife Day with a message highlighting it as a celebration of Earth’s incredible biodiversity. He stressed that preserving wildlife is not only vital for ecological balance but also a shared responsibility that calls for continued efforts across society to protect the natural heritage of the planet.

In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Yadav highlighted that India remains mindful of the many dangers threatening our rich ecosystem. “We therefore remain committed to not just conserving what we have, but also recovering key species for ecosystem restoration”, he stated.

World Wildlife Day is observed every year on 3rd March to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, we recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. The Day highlights the importance of wild animals and plants, and underscores our collective responsibility to conserve biodiversity for ecological balance and human well-being.