Challenges of Wildlife Conservation

1. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization lead to significant loss of natural habitats. For instance, the degradation of the Sundarbans mangroves threatens the Bengal tiger population.

2. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade threaten species like the rhino and elephant. The black market for wildlife products, such as ivory, exacerbates the problem.

3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment and agricultural expansion often result in conflict between humans and wildlife. For example, elephant raids in Kerala and Assam cause property damage and loss of life.

4. Climate Change: Climate change impacts ecosystems and species distribution. For example, polar bears face challenges due to melting sea ice in the Arctic.

5. Insufficient Funding and Management: Many conservation efforts suffer from limited funding and ineffective management. The Project Tiger initiative, despite its success, still faces funding and implementation issues.

In summary, effective wildlife conservation requires addressing these multifaceted challenges through integrated management, community involvement, and global cooperation.