New Delhi, Jul 29 (IANS): India achieved the target of doubling of tiger population four years ahead of schedule of the St. Petersburg Declaration on tiger Conservation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the International Tiger Day on Thursday.

Greeting the wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation on the International Tiger Day, in a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said: "On #InternationalTigerDay, greetings to wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation. Home to over 70 per cent of the tiger population globally, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring safe habitats for our tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco-systems."

"India is home to 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states. The last tiger census of 2018 showed a rise in the tiger population. India achieved the target of doubling of tiger population 4 years ahead of schedule of the St Petersburg Declaration on tiger Conservation," he said.

India's strategy of tiger conservation attaches topmost importance to involving local communities. "We are also inspired by our centuries old ethos of living in harmony with all flora and fauna with whom we share our great planet," Modi added.