When most people hear the phrase "Lights Out Tiger", their first thought is of a bedtime routine, indicating that it is time for curtains to be drawn and children to be tucked in for the night. Indeed, having a consistent bedtime routine can be extremely beneficial for children, but the phrase has a whole different meaning to wildlife conservationists. "Lights Out Tiger" is a type of tiger conservation program which has been in use since 2013, specifically in India. The idea is to use large-scale lighting reduction in areas where tigers live, in order to reduce their chances of being poached.

The concept of a Lights Out Tiger program is simple; by reducing or removing artificial lights in tiger habitats, poachers have a much harder time locating and targeting the animals, thus reducing the mortality rate from poaching. Lighting reduction also serves to reduce sound pollution, which can disrupt the natural behaviour of tigers, and has the potential to reduce habitat fragmentation, as tigers become more confident in moving around their natural environment. Another positive benefit of reducing artificial lights is that it allows for a much more natural nocturnal ecosystem to thrive, and encourages the growth of night-blooming plants.

In addition to the ecological benefits, a Lights Out Tiger program can also bring economic benefits to the local community. Reducing access to illegal poaching activities in these areas makes them much less attractive for poachers, resulting in more tourism and investment in the area, resulting in higher standards of living for local communities. Furthermore, as the wild tiger population increases and the benefits of a Lights Out Tiger program become more apparent, more tourists may visit tiger habitats, resulting in more revenue for local businesses.

Overall, a Lights Out Tiger program has the potential to greatly benefit tigers and their habitats. By providing a level of natural protection through the reduction of artificial lights, tigers can more easily move around their natural environment, and the local community can enjoy the economic benefits that come with increased tourism. As the awareness of Lights Out Tiger conservation programs increases, hopefully more areas will be implementing them, thereby helping to ensure that the tiger species survives for generations to come.