Tiger Conservation and Project Tiger

Tiger conservation stands at the forefront of global environmental efforts, encapsulating both the urgent need to preserve biodiversity and the iconic status of this magnificent species. Project Tiger, spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in India, represents a pioneering initiative aimed at safeguarding the dwindling population of tigers within the country. At its core, the project endeavors to mitigate threats to tiger habitats, combat poaching, and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. Central to its success are the delineation of tiger corridors, the establishment of core-buffer zones within tiger reserves, and the meticulous undertaking of tiger census surveys. These facets collectively constitute the backbone of India’s commitment to tiger conservation, crucial not only for the preservation of this apex predator but also for the ecological balance of its habitats. In the pursuit of sustainable development, understanding and advocating for tiger conservation remain paramount, echoing the broader imperative of harmonizing human activities with the natural world.

Table of Contents

PROJECT TIGER

Established in 1973, Project Tiger stands as one of India’s pivotal conservation initiatives specifically designed to safeguard the tiger population.
As the inaugural project of its kind in the country, it aims to sustain and shield tigers from the perils of poaching and other imminent threats.
Addressing both ecological and administrative facets linked to tiger conservation, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plays a central role in this endeavor.
The project outlines a legal framework for the protection of tiger reserves and reinforces institutional safeguards for ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species.
Through an amendment, the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 bestowed statutory authority upon Project Tiger, thereby establishing the NTCA in 2006.
India’s pioneering tiger reserve, the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, marked the inception of this groundbreaking project.
Initially comprising nine tiger reserves, India currently boasts 53 such reserves dedicated to the preservation of these majestic creatures.

OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT TIGER

Ensure the sustained existence of India’s tiger population for scientific, economic, cultural, and aesthetic reasons.
Identify and address factors contributing to the loss of tiger habitats through appropriate management practices.
Preserve areas of significant biological importance as a national heritage, fostering education and enjoyment for people at all times.
Contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
Safeguard the rights of tribals and local communities residing near tiger reserves.

NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NTCA)

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
Established in adherence to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, as amended in 2006, the NTCA is entrusted with enhancing tiger conservation through powers and functions delegated by the Act.
As the apex body responsible for the administration of ‘Project Tiger,’ the NTCA was formed in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
Its composition includes the Minister heading the Ministry of Environment and Forests (as Chairperson), the Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests (as Vice-Chairperson), three Members of Parliament, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and other members.
Mandated to fulfill its responsibilities under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the NTCA exercises oversight through advisories and normative guidelines.
These are formulated based on assessments of the tiger’s status, ongoing conservation efforts, and recommendations from specially constituted committees.
Additionally, the NTCA conducts a comprehensive country-level assessment of tiger status, co-predators, prey, and habitat once every four years.
This assessment employs a methodology approved by the Tiger Task Force, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic planning in the realm of tiger conservation.

TIGER RESERVE

India has 54 tiger reserves managed by Project Tiger under the administration of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
With 80% of the world’s tigers, India has played a significant role in increasing global tiger populations. In 2006, there were 1,411 tigers, and by 2018, the number had risen to 2,967.
Globally, the wild tiger count went up from 3,159 in 2010 to 3,890 in 2016, thanks in part to India’s efforts, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund and Global Tiger Forum.
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is the largest tiger reserve in India, while Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is the smallest.
Tiger reserves are designated using a ‘core-buffer strategy,’ consisting of a core zone and a buffer zone.

Global Tiger Day, celebrated worldwide, falls on July 29.

CORE ZONE (Critical Wildlife Habitats):

The core area is a designated space kept free from disturbances like human activities, forestry operations, and the collection of minor forest produce.
It is a vital part of tiger conservation efforts.
Within the core zone, activities like grazing and human disturbances are strictly prohibited.
This ensures that the primary focus remains on preserving the habitat for the well-being of tigers, all while respecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers.
The State Government, in consultation with an Expert Committee, notifies these areas.
The concept of Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWHs) is introduced in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has the authority to notify the rules for designating a CWH, and only the Central Government can declare Critical Wildlife Habitats.

BUFFER AREA:

The buffer area surrounds the critical tiger habitat or core area, serving as additional habitat space for tigers to disperse.
It also allows for a balance between human activities and wildlife coexistence.
The limits of the buffer or peripheral areas are determined based on scientific criteria and objective consultation with the Gram Sabha (local self-government in villages) and an Expert Committee specifically formed for this purpose.
The buffer area plays a crucial role in supporting both the conservation of tigers and the needs of local communities.

TIGER CORRIDOR

The National Tiger Conservation Authority, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, has identified and mapped out 32 significant tiger corridors across India.
These corridors are put into operation through a Tiger Conservation Plan, which is a requirement under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
A tiger corridor refers to a stretch of land that connects different tiger habitats, facilitating the movement of tigers, prey, and other wildlife.
These corridors are crucial because, without them, tiger habitats can become fragmented, leading to isolated tiger populations and making them susceptible to localized extinction.
Additionally, these corridors are utilized by various other wildlife species.
Given that big cats like tigers cover extensive distances, these corridors, which span across different states, play a vital role.
Tigers, for instance, have been observed traveling remarkable distances, covering approximately 1,300 km in 150 days, crossing multiple states, including Maharashtra and Telangana, six districts, and four wildlife sanctuaries, to establish their territory.
Section 38 O (1) (g) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act permits the diversion of tiger corridors with the approval of the National Board for Wildlife and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
This allows for the management of these corridors while ensuring the conservation of tigers and other wildlife.

Sl. No.	Landscape	Corridor	States/Country
1	Shivalik Hills & Gangetic Plains	Rajaji-Corbett	Uttarakhand
		Corbett-Dudhwa	Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal
		Dudhwa-Kishanpur-Katerniaghat	Uttar Pradesh, Nepal
2	Central India & Eastern Ghats	Ranthambhore-Kuno-Madhav	Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
		Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
		Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Dubri-Guru Ghasidas	Madhya Pradesh
		Guru Ghasidas-Palamau-Lawalong	Chhattisgarh & Jharkhand
		Kanha-Achanakmar	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
		Kanha-Pench	Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
		Pench-Satpura-Melghat	Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
		Kanha-Navegaon Nagzira-Tadoba-Indravati	Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh
		Indravati-Udanti Sitanadi-Sunabeda	Chhattisgarh, Odisha
		Similipal-Satkosia	Odisha
		Nagarjunasagar-Sri Venkateshwara National Park	Andhra Pradesh
3	Western Ghats	Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa	Maharashtra, Goa
		Dandeli Anshi-Shravathi Valley	Karnataka
		Kudremukh-Bhadra	Karnataka
		Nagarahole-Pusphagiri-Talakavery	Karnataka
		Nagarahole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wayanad	Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

		Nagarahole-Mudumalai-Wayanad	Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
		Parambikulam-Eranikulam-Indira Gandhi	Kerala, Tamil Nadu
		Kalakad Mundanthurai-Periyar	Kerala, Tamil Nadu
4	North East	Kaziranga-Itanagar WLS	Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
		Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong	Assam
		Kaziranga-Nameri	Assam
		Kaziranga-Orang	Assam
		Kaziranga-Papum Pane	Assam
		Manas-Buxa	Assam, West Bengal, Bhutan
		Pakke-Nameri-Sonai Rupai-Manas	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
		Dibru Saikhowa-D’Ering-Mehaong	Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
		Kamlang-Kane-Tale Valley	Arunachal Pradesh
		Buxa-Jaldapara	West Bengal

TIGER CENSUS

Every four years, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with state forest departments, conservation NGOs, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducts a national tiger census.
They use a method that involves ground surveys and camera-trap images to count the tiger population.
The recent census for India’s tigers, released by the Prime Minister, shows a 6.7% increase in the past four years.
The census covered forests in 20 states of India, with 32,588 camera traps set up at various locations, capturing a total of 47,081,881 photographs.
The Prime Minister revealed these figures while inaugurating the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in Mysuru, Karnataka, marking 50 years of Project Tiger.
The IBCA is an initiative for the conservation of seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
It includes 97 countries housing these big cats and other interested parties. The alliance aims to advocate for conservation, build partnerships, focus on capacity building, promote eco-tourism, and explore financial support.
It also intends to share information and raise awareness among its members.
Highlights from the tiger census indicate a growth in the tiger population from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 in 2022, with a slower growth rate of 6.7% compared to the previous four years.
There was a significant increase in tiger population in the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains, while tiger occupancy declined in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
In the North East Hills and Brahmaputra Plains, 194 tigers were captured by camera traps, and the Nilgiri cluster in the region has the largest tiger population globally, contributing to the colonization of tigers in neighboring areas.
However, there was a decline in tiger occupancy in the Western Ghats, particularly in the Wayanad landscape and the Biligiriranga Hills.
The report also emphasizes the high conservation priority of the genetically unique and small population of tigers in Simlipal.
It calls for ecologically viable economic development and trans-boundary tiger conservation strategies to sustain isolated populations.

PROJECT TIGER – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1-What is Project Tiger?

A: Project Tiger is a crucial conservation initiative launched in 1973 in India. It focuses on safeguarding the tiger population by addressing threats such as poaching and habitat loss.

2-What are the objectives of Project Tiger?

A: The objectives include ensuring the sustained existence of India’s tiger population for scientific, economic, cultural, and aesthetic reasons. It also aims to address factors contributing to the loss of tiger habitats, preserve areas of biological importance, contribute to the conservation of endangered species, and safeguard the rights of local communities.

3-What is the role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in Project Tiger?

A: The NTCA, established in 2005, plays a central role in Project Tiger. It addresses ecological and administrative facets related to tiger conservation, outlines legal frameworks, and reinforces institutional safeguards for ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species.

4-How many tiger reserves does India currently have?

A: India currently has 54 tiger reserves managed by Project Tiger under the administration of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

5-Which is India’s largest and smallest tiger reserve?

A: The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is the largest, while the Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is the smallest.

6-What is the significance of tiger corridors?

A: Tiger corridors are stretches of land connecting different tiger habitats, allowing the movement of tigers and other wildlife. They prevent habitat fragmentation, ensuring genetic diversity and reducing the risk of localized extinction.

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Tiger Conservation and Project Tiger – NTCA, Tiger Corridors, Core-Buffer Zones, Tiger Census – UPSC Environment Notes