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Project Tiger

Overview of Project Tiger

Project Tiger, launched in 1973, is one of India’s most successful and important conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the Bengal tiger and its habitat. The project was launched by the Government of India under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in response to the alarming decline in the tiger population due to poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.

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Objectives of Project Tiger

  1. Tiger Conservation: The primary goal of Project Tiger is to ensure a viable population of tigers in India through strict protection measures and habitat restoration.
  2. Habitat Conservation: Protecting and regenerating forests and ecosystems that support tigers, which also benefits other wildlife species and local communities.
  3. Minimizing Human-Wildlife Conflict: Reducing incidents of poaching and mitigating conflicts between tigers and human populations living near tiger habitats.

Project Implementation

The project started with nine tiger reserves covering an area of approximately 18,278 sq km. Currently, there are 53 tiger reserves across India, spread over more than 75,000 sq km, which house more than 70% of the world’s tigers. The reserves are governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which was established under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to provide regulatory oversight and manage funding.

Key Strategies

  1. Core and Buffer Zones: Each tiger reserve has two parts – a core zone with minimal human activity, which is the primary tiger habitat, and a buffer zone where regulated human activity, such as eco-tourism, is allowed.
  2. Anti-Poaching Measures: Stringent laws against poaching, patrolling by forest rangers, and the establishment of tiger protection forces help curb illegal hunting and trade in tiger parts.
  3. Relocation of Villages: Project Tiger facilitates the relocation of villages from core areas of tiger reserves to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect tiger habitats from encroachment.
  4. Monitoring and Research: Regular monitoring of tiger populations is carried out using modern technology like camera traps and GPS collars. The All India Tiger Estimation, conducted every four years, is an essential part of these efforts.

Achievements

  • Increase in Tiger Population: When Project Tiger was launched, the estimated tiger population in India was around 1,800. Thanks to the project’s efforts, the population has grown to over 3,000 tigers as per the 2018 tiger census. India now hosts the largest population of wild tigers in the world.
  • Improvement in Habitat: Many tiger reserves have seen a significant improvement in habitat quality, which has contributed to an increase in not just tiger numbers but also other wildlife species like leopards, elephants, and herbivores.
  • International Recognition: Project Tiger has been recognized globally as a leading conservation initiative and has inspired similar programs in other countries.

Challenges

  1. Human-Wildlife Conflict: The increasing tiger population in some areas has led to conflicts with humans, especially in buffer zones where human activities occur.
  2. Encroachment and Habitat Loss: Despite protection efforts, illegal encroachment, agriculture, and infrastructure development continue to threaten tiger habitats.
  3. Poaching: Poaching remains a significant threat, driven by illegal wildlife trade for tiger skin, bones, and other body parts used in traditional medicine.

Conclusion

Project Tiger has been a significant success story in wildlife conservation, playing a crucial role in saving the Bengal tiger from extinction. It serves as a model for wildlife protection globally and underscores the importance of habitat preservation and sustainable management of natural resources. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the scope, challenges, and achievements of Project Tiger is critical, as it highlights the efforts India has made in the field of wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Tiger?
  • Definition: Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India aimed at protecting the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and its habitat.
  • Launch Year: 1973
  • Objective: To ensure the survival of tigers in the wild through the creation of protected areas, known as tiger reserves, and to address various threats to their habitat.
  • Initiator: The project was initiated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with the support of the Indian Board for Wildlife.
  • Reason: The primary goal was to address the rapid decline in tiger populations due to poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.
  • Establishment of Tiger Reserves: The project involves setting up designated tiger reserves across India.
  • Conservation Measures: Includes anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and management strategies to protect the tigers and their ecosystems.
  • Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research and monitoring of tiger populations and their habitats to assess health and threats.
  • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts and providing alternative livelihood options to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Number of Reserves: As of 2024, there are 53 tiger reserves in India under Project Tiger.

  • Corbett Tiger Reserve: Located in Uttarakhand, it is the oldest tiger reserve and a key area for tiger conservation.
  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: Situated in Rajasthan, known for its significant tiger population and historical fort.
  • Kanha Tiger Reserve: Located in Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its successful conservation of the tiger population.
  • Periyar Tiger Reserve: In Kerala, known for its unique ecosystem and efforts in conserving both tigers and elephants.
  • Tiger Population Increase: Significant recovery of tiger populations from the brink of extinction.
  • Expansion of Reserves: Expansion of existing tiger reserves and creation of new ones.
  • Increased Awareness: Enhanced public awareness and support for tiger conservation.
  • Improved Habitat Protection: Better management and protection of critical tiger habitats.
  • Poaching: Illegal hunting and trade of tiger parts remain a significant threat.
  • Habitat Loss: Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development encroach on tiger habitats.
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: Conflicts between tigers and local communities can lead to retaliatory killings.
  • Funding and Resource Allocation: Adequate funding and resources are essential for effective conservation efforts.
  • Role: The NTCA is the apex body responsible for overseeing the implementation of Project Tiger.
  • Functions: Includes formulating policies, coordinating between various stakeholders, providing financial and technical support, and monitoring the management of tiger reserves.
  • Ecosystem Health: Protecting tigers helps preserve entire ecosystems and the myriad species that depend on them.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: The project supports conservation of various flora and fauna within tiger reserves.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy forests and ecosystems contribute to climate regulation and carbon sequestration.
  • Study Background: Understand the history, objectives, and significance of Project Tiger.
  • Review Achievements and Challenges: Familiarize yourself with the successes and ongoing challenges of the project.
  • Know Key Reserves: Be aware of notable tiger reserves and their unique features.
  • Analyze Impact: Consider the broader ecological and socio-economic impacts of tiger conservation efforts.
  • Practice Writing: Develop detailed, analytical responses that cover various aspects of Project Tiger and its role in conservation.

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