India's government has announced that it will create eight new nature reserves in a bid to protect the country's dwindling number of tigers.

Over the next five years, work will be carried out to build the new parks which will cover an area of 11,900 square miles.

It is hoped that the reserves will reduce the number of wild tigers who are illegally killed and boost the current population of around 1,411.

The decision comes following a census carried out by government officials, which found that tiger numbers are still falling due to poaching and urbanisation.

According to the survey, there are 2,231 fewer tigers in India than when the last major study was carried out in 2002.

Conservationists are now hoping that ministers will do even more to prevent the killing of these beautiful creatures.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times, environmentalist Valmik Thapar said: "It is now time to act and save tigers from human beings.

"We have to create inviolate areas for tigers and provide modern weapons to forest guards."

Travellers to India can also do their bit to help protect these magnificent wild cats through eco-tourism.

Organisations such as Travel Operators for Tigers can help adventurers find the perfect trip or tour within India which will also contribute towards tiger conservation.

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