Dudhwa's history is intertwined with conservation efforts. Initially established as a sanctuary for swamp deer in 1958, it was declared a national park in 1977. The park gained prominence due to Billy Arjan Singh's efforts to reintroduce tigers and leopards into the wild. He successfully raised a tiger cub, Tara, and released her into Dudhwa, which significantly contributed to the tiger population. Later, the park was expanded to include the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and became the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in 1987. The conservation initiatives have played a crucial role in preserving the region's unique ecosystem and protecting its diverse wildlife.