Milestones Series- Project Tiger in India | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Project Tiger, launched in India on April 1, 1973, emerged as a crucial wildlife conservation initiative, headquartered at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Funded by the Union Government of India and overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) acts as the immediate supervising agency.

Centrality of Tiger Agenda

The tiger agenda holds ecological significance, serving as an umbrella species that reflects the health of ecosystem services vital for life on Earth. Tiger-inhabited forests play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, offering adaptation to climate change threats. The cultural, ethical, and aesthetic values associated with tigers are crucial in their preservation. The presence of tigers is indicative of ecosystem well-being, as they regulate herbivore numbers, prevent over-grazing, and contribute to ecological integrity. Additionally, tigers attract tourists, providing income for local communities.

Threats

Despite conservation efforts, threats to tiger survival persist. Habitat loss, poaching, and the use of tiger parts in traditional Chinese medicines pose significant challenges. Habitat degradation due to human activities and natural factors exacerbates the issue. The Ken-Betwa River interlinking project is a potential threat to the Panna Tiger Reserve.

India’s Efforts

India boasts over 70% of the world's wild tiger population and holds a leadership position in global tiger conservation. The Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has expanded to include more than 50 reserves, covering nearly 2.2% of the country's geographical area. Recent achievements include the successful inter-state translocation of tigers and the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation, considered the world's largest wildlife survey.
Various initiatives have been implemented, including legislative provisions, the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, increased funding, expanded Project Tiger coverage, and modern field monitoring protocols such as M-STrIPES.

Reasons for Increase in Tiger Population

Organized poaching has significantly decreased, attributed to enhanced vigilance and conservation efforts by the Forest Department. Villages outside core areas have been relocated, creating more inviolate space for tigers. Protection measures have encouraged tiger breeding, and accurate estimation exercises using tools like M-STrIPES have contributed to a better understanding of population dynamics.

Conclusion

Maintaining a balance between sustainability and development is crucial. Forest corridors connecting protected areas must be preserved, and existing habitats improved. Education of local communities is essential for effective conflict mitigation, emphasizing reduced stress levels for elephants and responsible ecotourism. Monitoring mechanisms and preventive measures, such as increasing the population of wild ungulates, can contribute to reducing human-wildlife conflict. A comprehensive approach involving international organizations, governments, NGOs, communities, consumers, and individuals is necessary for the prevention of human-wildlife conflict, with financial support for effective solutions.