India is home to a rich biodiversity, harboring a plethora of flora and fauna, including its iconic symbol of strength and majesty, the tiger. The tiger, often revered as the apex predator and a symbol of conservation success, has faced significant threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. To safeguard the future of this magnificent species, India established Tiger Reserves, designated areas specifically aimed at conserving and protecting the tiger population and its habitat. These reserves serve as crucial ecosystems not only for tigers but also for numerous other species, contributing to the overall health of India’s natural landscapes. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of expanding conservation efforts, there are continual proposals for new Tiger Reserves across the country, aiming to bolster conservation efforts and ensure the survival of this iconic species for generations to come.
- India boasts 54 tiger reserves governed by Project Tiger, overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- With 80 percent of the world’s tiger population, India has seen significant growth in its tiger numbers.
- In 2006, there were 1,411 tigers, increasing to 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, and reaching 2,967 in 2018.
- India’s success has had a global impact, contributing to the rise in global tiger populations. From 3,159 in 2010, the global wild tiger count climbed to 3,890 in 2016, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund and Global Tiger Forum.
- Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana stands as India’s largest tiger reserve, while the Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is the smallest.
- Tiger reserves follow a core-buffer strategy, comprising core zones and buffer zones, to ensure effective conservation.
Global Tiger Day, celebrated on July 29, highlights the importance of tiger conservation efforts worldwide.
Here is a list of Tiger Reserves in India:
- Bandipur – Karnataka
- Corbett – Uttarakhand
- Amangarh (buffer of Corbett TR) – Uttar Pradesh
- Kanha – Madhya Pradesh
- Manas – Assam
- Melghat – Maharashtra
- Palamau – Jharkhand
- Ranthambore – Rajasthan
- Similipal – Odisha
- Sunderbans – West Bengal
- Periyar – Kerala
- Sariska – Rajasthan
- Buxa – West Bengal
- Indravati – Chhattisgarh
- Namdapha – Arunachal Pradesh
- Dudhwa – Uttar Pradesh
- Kalakad-Mundanthurai – Tamil Nadu
- Valmiki – Bihar
- Pench – Madhya Pradesh
- Tadoba-Andhari – Maharashtra
- Bandhavgarh – Madhya Pradesh
- Panna – Madhya Pradesh
- Dampa – Mizoram
- Bhadra – Karnataka
- Pench – Maharashtra
- Pakke – Arunachal Pradesh
- Nameri – Assam
- Satpura – Madhya Pradesh
- Anamalai – Tamil Nadu
- Udanti-Sitanadi – Chattisgarh
- Satkosia – Odisha
- Kaziranga – Assam
- Achanakmar – Chattisgarh
- Dandeli-Anshi – Karnataka
- Sanjay-Dubri – Madhya Pradesh
- Mudumalai – Tamil Nadu
- Nagarahole – Karnataka
- Parambikulam – Kerala
- Sahyadri – Maharashtra
- Biligiri Ranganatha Temple – Karnataka
- Kawal – Telangana
- Sathyamangalam – Tamil Nadu
- Mukandra Hills – Rajasthan
- Nawegaon-Nagzira – Maharashtra
- Nagarjunsagar Srisailam – Andhra Pradesh
- Amrabad – Telangana
- Pilibhit – Uttar Pradesh
- Bor – Maharashtra
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve – Uttarakhand
- Orang Tiger Reserve – Assam
- Kamlang Tiger Reserve – Arunachal Pradesh
- Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve – Tamil Nadu
- Ramgarh Vishdhari TR – Rajasthan
- Guru Ghasidas TR – Chhattisgarh
- Ranipur Tiger Reserve – Uttar Pradesh
FAQS about Tiger Reserves in India
1. What is Project Tiger?
A: Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation program launched in India in 1973 with the aim of protecting the Bengal tiger. It is overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and involves the establishment of tiger reserves across the country.
2. How many tiger reserves are there in India?
A: India currently has 54 tiger reserves spread across various states, encompassing diverse habitats where tigers can thrive.
3. What is the core-buffer strategy followed in tiger reserves?
A: Tiger reserves implement a core-buffer strategy, which involves dividing the reserve into core zones and buffer zones. The core zones are areas where tiger conservation efforts are prioritized and human activities are restricted, while buffer zones serve as transition areas where limited sustainable human activities are permitted.
4. How has India’s tiger population grown over the years?
A: India has witnessed significant growth in its tiger population. In 2006, there were 1,411 tigers, which increased to 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, and reached 2,967 in 2018. This growth is attributed to conservation efforts under Project Tiger.
5. Which tiger reserve is the largest in India?
A: The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is the largest tiger reserve in India.
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