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Tiger Census 2023-2024

Brief about Tiger Census 2023-24

The Tiger Census 2023-24 is the latest edition of India’s comprehensive effort to assess the population, distribution, and health of its wild tigers. Conducted under the All India Tiger Estimation program, this census plays a crucial role in understanding the status of tiger populations in India, which is home to 70% of the world’s tigers. The census is organized by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the state forest departments.

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Objectives of the Tiger Census 2023-24

  1. Assessing Tiger Population: The primary aim is to provide an accurate estimate of the tiger population in India, identify trends, and compare it to previous censuses.
  2. Monitoring Tiger Habitats: Evaluating the health and sustainability of tiger habitats, including forests, water sources, and prey availability.
  3. Conservation Insights: The census aims to understand how well conservation efforts like Project Tiger have worked and identify areas needing more protection.
  4. Addressing Threats: The census also helps in identifying poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict hotspots where intervention is needed.

Methodology

The Tiger Census involves a four-phase approach:

  1. Field Surveys: Forest officials and trained personnel cover vast tiger habitats, collecting evidence like pugmarks, scat, and scratches.
  2. Camera Trapping: Over 30,000 camera traps are set up across tiger reserves and other forest areas to capture images of tigers. These images help identify individual tigers using their unique stripe patterns.
  3. Data Analysis: The collected data is analyzed using advanced software and statistical models to estimate the population density and distribution of tigers across different regions.
  4. Use of Technology: The 2023-24 census emphasizes the use of modern technologies like satellite imagery, GIS, and AI for more accurate habitat analysis and better identification of tiger populations.

Key Focus Areas

  • Northeastern States: Special attention is given to improving estimates in the Northeastern states and areas with dense forests, where traditional methods have faced challenges.
  • Corridor Connectivity: The 2023-24 census also focuses on the corridors that connect tiger reserves, as they are crucial for genetic diversity and migration.
  • Climate Impact: For the first time, the census will incorporate data related to climate change impacts on tiger habitats, helping to plan for future conservation strategies.

Previous Census Findings

The last Tiger Census, conducted in 2018, recorded 2,967 tigers, showing a significant increase from the 2014 estimate of 2,226 tigers. India now hosts over 50 tiger reserves across 18 states, covering more than 75,000 sq km. The census showed positive results, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand, which recorded the highest tiger numbers.

Challenges and Concerns

  • Poaching: Despite strong anti-poaching measures, illegal hunting and the demand for tiger parts in the illegal wildlife trade continue to threaten tiger populations.
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: As the tiger population grows, so do conflicts with humans, especially in areas near buffer zones where tigers come into contact with human settlements.
  • Habitat Loss: Increasing urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure projects like highways and railways continue to fragment tiger habitats, making conservation efforts more challenging.

Conclusion

The Tiger Census 2023-24 is critical in India’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve its tiger population. By providing updated information on population numbers, habitat health, and threats, it will guide future conservation strategies, ensuring the survival of this iconic species. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the methodology, challenges, and significance of the Tiger Census is important, as it highlights India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tiger Census 2023-2024?
  • Definition: The Tiger Census 2023-2024 is an extensive survey conducted to estimate the population of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in India.
  • Objective: To assess the current status of tiger populations, evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures, and guide future conservation strategies.
  • Conservation Monitoring: It helps in monitoring the health and distribution of tiger populations across India.
  • Policy Making: Provides critical data to inform conservation policies and management practices.
  • Funding and Resources: Helps allocate resources and funding based on the needs of tiger reserves and conservation areas.
  • Conducting Body: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) along with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments.
  • Collaborators: Involves collaboration with various conservation organizations, researchers, and local communities.
  • Camera Trapping: Utilizing motion-sensor cameras placed in tiger habitats to capture images of tigers.
  • Pugmark Tracking: Tracking tiger footprints to estimate population density and distribution.
  • Survey and Monitoring: Conducting field surveys and monitoring tiger sightings and signs.
  • Data Analysis: Combining data from various sources to estimate the tiger population.
  • Population Estimates: As of the latest census, the estimated number of Bengal tigers in India was approximately [insert latest figure, e.g., 3,000] individuals.
  • Distribution: The census revealed the distribution of tigers across key reserves and regions, highlighting areas of both high and low tiger density.
  • Trends: Identified trends in tiger population growth or decline, as well as changes in habitat use and human-wildlife conflict.
  • Conservation Strategies: Provides data to adjust and implement targeted conservation strategies.
  • Reserve Management: Helps in the management and expansion of tiger reserves based on population data.
  • Policy Formulation: Informs policy makers and stakeholders about the effectiveness of existing conservation measures and the need for new initiatives.
  • Accessibility: Difficulties in accessing remote and rugged areas for surveys.
  • Data Accuracy: Ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis amidst varying field conditions.
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: Addressing issues related to human-wildlife conflict that may affect tiger sightings and behavior.
  • Funding and Resources: Adequate funding and resources are essential for conducting extensive surveys and data analysis.
  • Conservation Planning: Data guides the planning and implementation of conservation strategies and actions.
  • Monitoring Progress: Helps in tracking progress over time and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Provides evidence to engage and inform stakeholders, including local communities and policymakers.
  • Participation: Local communities often assist in data collection, monitoring, and reporting sightings.
  • Conflict Mitigation: Engaging communities helps in managing human-wildlife conflicts and fostering coexistence.
  • Support: Community involvement is crucial for the success of conservation initiatives and for ensuring sustainable management of tiger habitats.
  • Study Census Methodology: Understand the methods used for data collection and analysis in the census.
  • Review Key Findings: Familiarize yourself with the key results and implications of the latest census.
  • Analyze Impact: Consider how the census data influences conservation policies and strategies.
  • Practice Writing: Develop clear, analytical responses that cover aspects of the census methodology, findings, challenges, and conservation impact.

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