The Government of India has taken a pioneering initiative for conserving its national animal, the tiger, by launching the ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973. From 9 tiger reserves since its formative years, the Project Tiger coverage has increased to 47 at present, spread out in 18 of our tiger range states. This amounts to around 2.08% of the geographical area of our country. The tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy. The core areas have the legal status of a national park or a sanctuary, whereas the buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple use area. The Project Tiger aims to foster an exclusive tiger agenda in the core areas of tiger reserves, with an inclusive people oriented agenda in the buffer.

Project Tiger

Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative launched in India in 1973 with the aim of protecting the Bengal tiger. Here is an in-depth look at this important project:

Objectives of Project Tiger:
- To ensure a viable tiger population in their natural habitats.
- To protect tiger reserves from poaching, habitat destruction, and other threats.
- To provide a safe environment for tigers to breed and thrive.

Key Features of Project Tiger:
- Identification and protection of tiger reserves across India.
- Strengthening anti-poaching measures and wildlife law enforcement.
- Habitat management and restoration to ensure a sustainable ecosystem for tigers.
- Community involvement in conservation efforts through education and awareness programs.

Successes of Project Tiger:
- The population of tigers in India has increased from around 1,400 in the 1970s to over 2,200 in recent years.
- The project has helped in the conservation of other species and their habitats as well.
- Project Tiger has raised awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation among the public.

Challenges faced by Project Tiger:
- Habitat loss due to human-wildlife conflict and development activities.
- Poaching of tigers for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine.
- Climate change and its impact on tiger habitats and prey species.

Conclusion:
Project Tiger has been instrumental in the conservation of the Bengal tiger and its habitat in India. However, continued efforts and support are needed to address the challenges faced by this iconic species and ensure its long-term survival.