Shankar IAS Summary: Conservation Efforts | Environment for UPSC CSE PDF Download

The Snow Leopard, known as the "ghost of the mountains," is a rare carnivore found in high-altitude regions across 12 countries, including India. Classified as 'Vulnerable' by IUCN, it holds the highest conservation status under various international and Indian wildlife protection acts.

Threats
In India, snow leopards face threats like prey depletion due to excessive livestock grazing, retribution killing, poaching, illegal trade, unregulated tourism, climate change, infrastructure development, and poor waste management. To address these challenges, the government launched the Population Assessment of World’s Snow Leopards (PAWS) under the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).

Snow Leopard Population Assessment of India (SLPAI)

 SLPAI is India's first national effort to scientifically estimate snow leopard populations both inside and outside protected areas. It's a two-step process involving field surveys at the state level.

1. Spatial Distribution Assessment:

   • Evaluate the spatial distribution of snow leopards based on habitat covariates.
   • Use an occupancy-based approach relying on sign and interview surveys to create a refined distribution map.

2. Abundance Estimation:

   • Estimate snow leopard abundance through camera trapping and genetics in habitat patches.
   • Assess prey species' population and describe the ecosystem while identifying threats.

India aims to obtain scientifically robust estimates for snow leopard populations across states, contributing to global conservation efforts.

Project Snow Leopard - Jan 2009

Objective: Initiated in 2009, Project Snow Leopard aims to strengthen wildlife conservation in the Himalayan high altitudes through a knowledge-based and adaptive framework. The goal is to involve local communities in conservation efforts.

Location: The project covers biologically important landscapes in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Highlights:

• India played a vital role in the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Project in 2013.
• The project encompasses non-forested or sparsely-forested high-altitude regions, forming approximately 129,000 sq km.
• Conservation efforts focus on unique wildlife like the snow leopard, bears, wolf, red panda, and various mountain ungulates.
• High-altitude lakes and bogs are vital for avifauna, including endangered species like the black-necked crane and bar-headed geese.

Why Conserve High Altitude Ecosystems?

• High altitudes in India (> 3000 m) support a unique wildlife assemblage of global conservation importance.
• Endangered species include the snow leopard, bears, wolves, red pandas, and various mountain ungulates.
• High-altitude lakes and bogs serve as breeding grounds for diverse avifauna.
• India has ratified international agreements promoting the conservation of high-altitude wildlife species like the snow leopard.
• Each state will select a biologically important site and develop a science-based, participatory conservation program in the first five years.
• The project will subsequently expand to cover more biologically important sites.
  
  

Secure Himalaya

Focus Areas:

1. Strengthening and Improving Protected Area Network: Enhancing the effectiveness of protected areas to ensure the safety and preservation of snow leopards and their habitats.

2. Landscape-level Conservation Approach for Wildlife: Implementing a holistic strategy that considers the entire landscape to promote the well-being of wildlife, particularly snow leopards, across their habitats.

3. Control of Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Implementing measures to curb poaching activities and illegal trade in wildlife, aiming to protect the endangered species, including snow leopards.

4. Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Developing strategies to minimize conflicts between humans and wildlife, ensuring coexistence and reducing harm to both communities and animals.

5. Management of Tourism in Wildlife Areas: Implementing responsible tourism practices in wildlife areas to prevent disturbances to snow leopards and their habitats while promoting sustainable tourism for the benefit of local communities.

Sea Turtle Project

Project Objectives:

1. Inventory Mapping of Breeding Sites: Preparation of an inventory map identifying the breeding sites of Sea Turtles.

2. Identification of Nesting and Breeding Habitats: Recognition of nesting and breeding habitats along the shoreline.

3. Mapping Migratory Routes: Understanding the migratory routes taken by Sea Turtles.

4. Guidelines for Safeguarding and Minimizing Turtle Mortality: Development of guidelines to safeguard and minimize turtle mortality.

5. National and International Collaboration: Facilitating national and international cooperative efforts for Sea Turtle Conservation.

6. Guideline Plans for Tourism in Turtle Areas: Developing guideline plans for responsible tourism in areas frequented by Sea Turtles.

7. Infrastructure and Human Resources Development: Developing infrastructure and human resources for the conservation of Sea Turtles.

Key Achievements: One noteworthy achievement includes the demonstration of Satellite Telemetry to locate the migratory route of Olive Ridley Turtles in the sea. Additionally, efforts have been made to raise awareness among fishermen and state governments about the use of Turtle Exclusion Devices (TED) in fishing trawlers to reduce turtle mortality in fishing nets.

Dolphins are fascinating aquatic animals found in various water environments, including seas, brackish water, and fresh water. India is home to 15 species of marine and harbor dolphins, and special efforts are made to protect them, especially the Gangetic Dolphin.

Conservation Efforts:

1. Legal Protection: All dolphins in India, whether in fresh water, brackish water, or marine environments, are given the highest protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

2. Gangetic Dolphin:

   • The Gangetic Dolphin, native to the Ganges River, is critically endangered and part of the Recovery program for Critically Endangered Species.
   • The National Mission for Clean Ganga initiated a dolphin conservation program in 2016 for their long-term survival.

3. National Aquatic Animal:

   • The Ganges River Dolphin is designated as the National Aquatic Animal, emphasizing its importance.
   • Assam has recognized it as the state aquatic animal.

4. Unique Characteristics:

   • The Gangetic Dolphin survives only in freshwater and is essentially blind.
   • It uses ultrasonic sounds to navigate and hunt prey.

5. Population and Threats:

   • There are approximately 3,700 Ganges River Dolphins in India.
   • Major threats include river water pollution, siltation, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and poaching.

The Conservation Action Plan for the Gangetic Dolphin (2010-2020) identifies threats and focuses on the impact of human activities on dolphin populations.

Project Dolphin - Future Initiatives

• The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) will launch a 10-year project called Project Dolphin.
• This project aims to conserve river and sea dolphins, strengthen biodiversity, create employment opportunities, and attract tourism.

Key Objectives:

• Use modern technology for enumeration and anti-poaching activities.
• Engage fishermen and river-dependent communities.
• Improve livelihoods of local communities through sustainable fishery and conservation methods.

This project is a significant step towards conserving and protecting dolphins, ensuring the well-being of aquatic habitats, and involving local communities in sustainable practices.

Government Measures to prevent Wildlife entry into Human Habitats

Financial Assistance:

• The government provides financial aid to state governments through schemes like ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats,’ ‘Project Tiger,’ and ‘Project Elephant.’
• This assistance is aimed at improving national parks and sanctuaries, ensuring sufficient food and water in forests, reducing animal migration to human habitats.

Community Cooperation:

• Emphasizes the collaboration with local communities in managing Protected Areas.
• Addresses people's concerns regarding human-wildlife conflicts.
• Encourages community involvement in wildlife habitat management.

India adopts Sawen

South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN):

• India has adopted the Statute of SAWEN, becoming a formal member.
• Aims to strengthen ties with South Asian countries to control trans-boundary wildlife crime.
• Focuses on effective communication, coordination, collaboration, capacity building, and cooperation.

Preventive Measures:

• Construction of barriers such as boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences around sensitive areas to prevent wild animal attacks.
• These activities receive Central assistance support.

About SAWEN:

• A regional network comprising eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Aims to combat wildlife crime collectively, establishing common goals and approaches to tackle illegal wildlife trade in the region.

MoU Between ZSI & iBOL

Objective:

• The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) is an agreement between the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the International Barcode of Life (iBOL).
  
  
• The focus is on a scientific technique called DNA barcoding, which is a method for quickly and accurately identifying different species by analyzing a specific portion of their genes and comparing it to a reference database.

Benefits of MoU: The MoU allows ZSI to participate in global initiatives such as Bioscan and the Planetary Biodiversity Mission.

Programs of iBOL 

BARCODE 500K:

• Completed in 2015, BARCODE 500K laid the foundation by establishing facilities, protocols, and collaboration needed to build a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library.
• Goals:
  • Provide DNA barcode coverage for half a million species.
  • Develop the necessary informatics platforms and analytical protocols.
  • Set up a core facility to support sequencing and informatics.

Bioscan

Launched in June 2019, BIOSCAN is an ongoing program set to conclude by 2026.

Goals:

• Extend DNA barcode coverage to two million species.
• Implement biomonitoring in participating nations.
• Develop support for high-throughput sequencing through informatics.
• Encourage the application of DNA barcoding in various scientific fields.

Planetary Biodiversity Mission Goals

It is scheduled to launch in 2026 and complete by 2045.

Goals:

• Conduct a comprehensive census of all multicellular species.
• Establish a worldwide biosurveillance program.
• Create a 'library of life' by preserving DNA extracts from every species, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

National Wildlife Action Plan

• The inaugural National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) was adopted in 1983 following the decision made during the XV meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife in 1982. This plan delineated strategies and action points for wildlife conservation, which remain relevant.
• Over time, certain challenges have intensified, and new concerns have emerged, necessitating a shift in priorities. Increased commercial use of natural resources, ongoing growth in human and livestock populations, and changes in consumption patterns are leading to greater demographic impacts.
• The NWAP underwent revisions, with the third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031 being particularly noteworthy for acknowledging climate change's impact on wildlife. It emphasizes the inclusion of activities for mitigation and adaptation into wildlife management planning.
  

Components of the National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031

1. Enhancing and advancing integrated management of wildlife and their habitats.
2. Addressing climate change and advocating for sustainable management of aquatic biodiversity in India.
3. Promoting ecotourism, nature education, and participatory management.
4. Reinforcing wildlife research and human resource development in wildlife conservation.
5. Providing necessary policies and resources for wildlife conservation in India, facilitating integration into development planning processes.

Strategy for Action

• The strategy is based on the critical role of ecosystem-governed or tightly controlled natural processes in food production, health, and human survival.
• It underscores the intrinsic value of nature and its components, emphasizing the preservation of ecosystems, known as the 'Life Support System.'
• The plan highlights the preservation of genetic variation and sustainable use of species and ecosystems, both influencing scientific progress and supporting rural populations.
• A landscape approach to conservation is adopted for all species, prioritizing the recovery of vulnerable wildlife species and protecting their diverse habitats.
  Grassland
• Despite being one of the world's 17 mega biodiversity countries, the plan notes a lack of serious consideration of adverse ecological consequences from population, commercialization, and development pressures on wilderness areas.
• The plan emphasizes the deteriorating state of natural heritage, including rivers, forests, grasslands, mountains, wetlands, coastal and marine ecosystems, dry areas, and deserts.
• Public support for wildlife conservation is deemed crucial, with recommendations to strengthen the 'core-buffer-multi-use surround' structure and increase investments in eco-development, education, innovation, training, conservation awareness, and outreach programs.
• The strategy prioritizes wildlife health and catastrophe management, reorients tourism management in wildlife regions, and calls for fair treatment of communities under the Forest Rights Act, acknowledging their reliance on natural biomass supplies.

Question for Shankar IAS Summary: Conservation Efforts

Try yourself:

Which initiative focuses on the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin?

• A.

  Project Tiger
• B.

  Project Elephant
• C.

  Project Snow Leopard
• D.

  Sea Turtle Project

Explanation

- The Gangetic Dolphin conservation initiative is part of the Sea Turtle Project.
- The project aims to protect the Gangetic Dolphin, a critically endangered species found in the Ganges River.
- It focuses on safeguarding river and sea dolphins, enhancing biodiversity, and involving local communities in conservation efforts.

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DNA Barcoding

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), a subordinate organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and the International Barcode of Life (iBOL), a Canadian not-for-profit corporation.
• ZSI and iBOL collaborate on DNA barcoding, a methodology that involves rapidly and accurately identifying species by sequencing a short segment of standardized gene regions and comparing individual sequences to a reference database.
  DNA Barcoding
• iBOL, a research alliance, comprises nations committed to human and financial resources for expanding the global reference database, developing informatics platforms, and creating analytical protocols for biodiversity assessment and description.
• The MoU enables ZSI to participate in global programs like Bioscan and the Planetary Biodiversity Mission.

Programs of iBOL

1.  Barcode 500K (Completed in 2015)

   • Established sequencing facilities, analytical protocols, informatics platforms, and international collaboration.
   • Laid the foundation for building DNA barcode reference libraries.

2. Bioscan (Launched in June 2019)

   • Aims to deliver DNA barcode coverage for 2 million species by 2026.
   • Activates biomonitoring for ecoregions in participating nations, codifying species interactions.
   • Develops informatics support for high-throughput sequencing.
   • Promotes applications of DNA barcoding.
     Planetary Biodiversity
3. Planetary Biodiversity Mission (To be launched in 2026 and completed by 2045)
   • Goals include completing the census of all multicellular species.
   • Establishing a global biosurveillance program.
   • Constructing a 'library of life' by preserving DNA extracts from all species.

Conservation Classification of Species

Flagship Species

• Chosen to represent environmental causes, typically ecosystems in need of conservation.
• Selected for their attractiveness or distinctiveness to generate public support.
• The concept aims to leverage support for the conservation of entire ecosystems.

• Example Flagship Species: Indian tiger, African elephant, giant panda of China, mountain gorilla of Central Africa, orangutan of Southeast Asia, leatherback sea turtle.

Charismatic Megafauna

• Large animal species with widespread popular appeal.
• Environmental activists strategically use them to achieve conservation goals beyond the specific species.
• Examples include the Giant Panda, Bengal Tiger, and the Blue Whale.
  Charismatic Megafauna

Umbrella Species

• Wide-ranging species whose requirements include those of many other species.
• Protecting umbrella species automatically extends protection to other species.
• Chosen for conservation decisions as safeguarding them indirectly protects the diverse species in their habitat.