All questions of Conservation Efforts for UPSC CSE Exam

National Tiger Conservation Authority and National Board for Wildlife

The correct answer is option 'C', which states that no alteration in the boundaries of a tiger reserve can be made without the recommendation and approval of both the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Board for Wildlife. Let's break down the roles of each of these bodies:

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, with the primary responsibility of ensuring the conservation of tigers in India.
- It is responsible for approving the creation of new tiger reserves, as well as the management and administration of existing reserves.
- The NTCA plays a crucial role in formulating policies and guidelines for tiger conservation and monitoring their implementation across the country.

National Board for Wildlife
- The National Board for Wildlife is a statutory organization that works towards the protection of wildlife and biodiversity in India.
- It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and includes representatives from various sectors such as wildlife experts, ecologists, and government officials.
- The NBWL is responsible for advising the government on matters related to wildlife conservation, including the declaration of protected areas like tiger reserves.

Conclusion
In conclusion, both the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Board for Wildlife play key roles in the protection and management of tiger reserves in India. Any changes to the boundaries of a tiger reserve must be approved by both these bodies to ensure the conservation of these majestic animals and their habitats.

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 'D'.
Let's understand the given statements one by one:

1. Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is incorrect. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) does not have the authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve. The NBWL is a statutory organization that advises the Central Government on matters related to wildlife conservation. It does not have the power to declare an area as a tiger reserve.

2. The Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is also incorrect. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body that has the power to recommend the notification of an area as a tiger reserve. However, the final authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve lies with the State Government and not the Central Government.

3. Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is the same as the first statement and is incorrect for the same reasons mentioned earlier.

4. The State Government shall, on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, notify an area as a tiger reserve.
This statement is correct. The State Government, based on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has the power to notify an area as a tiger reserve. The NTCA plays a crucial role in identifying potential areas for tiger reserves and recommending them to the State Government for notification.

In conclusion, option 'D' is the correct answer as the State Government, on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has the authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve.

Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF)

The Haathi Mere Saathi campaign was launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

Objective of the Campaign

The main objective of the Haathi Mere Saathi campaign is to raise awareness about the conservation of elephants and their habitats in India. The campaign aims to educate the public about the importance of protecting elephants and the need for their conservation.

Partnership with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)

The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a non-profit organization that works towards the conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The partnership between the MoEF and WTI for the Haathi Mere Saathi campaign has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the conservation of elephants.

Activities under the Campaign

The Haathi Mere Saathi campaign includes various activities such as awareness drives, educational programs, community engagement initiatives, and advocacy efforts to protect elephants and their habitats. The campaign also focuses on addressing human-elephant conflicts and promoting coexistence between humans and elephants.

Impact of the Campaign

The Haathi Mere Saathi campaign has made significant progress in raising awareness about the conservation of elephants in India. Through its various activities and initiatives, the campaign has helped in promoting a greater understanding of the importance of protecting elephants and their habitats among the general public.

In conclusion, the partnership between the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for the Haathi Mere Saathi campaign has been crucial in advancing the cause of elephant conservation in India.

Indian Rhino Vision 2020 is implemented by the department of environment and forests, Assam with The Bodo autonomous council as an active partner.

• The programme will be supported by WWF – India, WWF areas (Asian rhino and elephant action strategy) programme, the international rhino Foundation (IRF), save the rhino’s campaign of zoological institutions worldwide and a number of local NGOs.
• The vision of this program is to increase the total rhino foundation in Assam from about 2000 to 3000 by the year 2020 and to ensure that these rhinos are distributed over at least 7 protected areas (PA) to provide long term viability of the one-horned rhino population.

Dolphins: Habitat and Conservation Status

Introduction
Dolphins are aquatic mammals that belong to the family Delphinidae. They are found in marine and freshwater ecosystems all over the world. In India, two species of dolphins are found - the Gangetic Dolphin and the Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Habitat of Dolphins
- Dolphins are found in aquatic ecosystems.
- They are primarily found in marine waters but can also be found in freshwater and brackish waters.
- Freshwater dolphins are found in rivers, while marine dolphins are found in oceans and seas.
- Dolphins are widely distributed in Indian waters and are found along the coast and in estuaries.

Dolphins in India
- In India, two species of dolphins are found - the Gangetic Dolphin and the Irrawaddy Dolphin.
- The Gangetic Dolphin is found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems, while the Irrawaddy Dolphin is found in the brackish waters of the Chilika Lake in Odisha.

Conservation Status of Dolphins
- Dolphins are a critically endangered species in India.
- The Gangetic Dolphin is the only species identified for taking up ‘Recovery programme of Critically Endangered Species, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat.
- The Irrawaddy Dolphin is also a critically endangered species and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Conservation efforts for dolphins include habitat protection, reducing pollution, regulating fishing practices, and controlling water flow in rivers.

Conclusion
Dolphins are an important part of aquatic ecosystems and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of these ecosystems. The conservation of dolphins is essential for the health of these ecosystems and for the survival of these species. Efforts must be made to protect their habitats and regulate human activities that can harm these animals.

Overview of the MIKE Programme
The Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme is a crucial initiative aimed at safeguarding elephant populations worldwide. It operates under the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Statement 1: Mandated by COP resolution of CITES
- The MIKE Programme is indeed mandated by the Conference of the Parties (COP) resolution of CITES.
- CITES recognizes the importance of monitoring illegal killing of elephants to ensure their survival, making MIKE a key component of its strategy.
Statement 2: Aims to measure levels and trends in illegal hunting of elephants
- MIKE is specifically designed to assess and measure levels and trends in illegal hunting and poaching of elephants.
- It collects data from various sites to understand the impact of illegal activities on elephant populations and to inform conservation strategies.
Conclusion: Both Statements are Correct
- Since both statements accurately describe the objectives and mandates of the MIKE Programme, the correct answer is indeed option 'C' (Both of them).
- The programme plays a vital role in the global effort to combat poaching and protect elephant populations, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation.
In summary, MIKE is a critical tool in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, providing essential data that supports policy-making and conservation efforts worldwide.