Roadmap for Answer Writing

To answer the question effectively, break it down into two parts: the success of Project Tiger and the additional measures required for holistic conservation.

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce Project Tiger (launched in 1973) with its aim to protect the tiger population and conserve biodiversity in India.
• Mention the tiger’s importance as India’s national animal and the significance of Project Tiger in national wildlife conservation.

2. Success of Project Tiger in Safeguarding Tigers

This section focuses on the achievements and milestones of the project.

• Population Recovery: Mention the increase in tiger population from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022, highlighting the project’s success in reversing the decline.
  • Fact: From 1,411 tigers in 2006 to 3,682 tigers in 2022.
• Expansion of Tiger Reserves: Discuss how the number of tiger reserves has increased from 9 in 1973 to 55 in 2024, thus protecting more tiger habitats.
  • Fact: 9 reserves in 1973 to 55 in 2024.
• International Recognition: Point out the global recognition, especially the accreditation of 23 tiger reserves with the CATS (Conservation Assured Tiger Standards) certification.
  • Fact: 23 tiger reserves in India have earned CATS accreditation.
• Ecosystem Services: Explain how tiger habitats also contribute to biodiversity and ecological services, such as supporting over 600 rivers that originate from or are nourished by tiger habitats.
  • Fact: Tiger habitats support over 600 rivers.

3. Challenges to Tiger Conservation

Identify the current challenges faced by Project Tiger that hinder the complete success of tiger conservation.

• Inbreeding and Genetic Health: Highlight the genetic concerns in tiger populations, e.g., in the Ranthambore reserve, emphasizing the risk of inbreeding.
  • Fact: Ranthambore tiger population faces genetic health risks, requiring “genetic rescue” (2021 study).
• Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation: Discuss the impact of human activities, such as mining, on tiger habitats.
  • Fact: Mining activities in Corbett Tiger Reserve threaten tiger habitats.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Focus on the increasing conflicts between expanding tiger populations and human settlements, leading to casualties on both sides.
  • Fact: Overlapping territories with human settlements increase conflict.

4. Measures for Holistic Tiger Conservation

In this section, propose the steps required to address the challenges and enhance tiger conservation efforts.

• Genetic Management and Translocation: Advocate for more robust genetic management practices, including tiger translocation to preserve genetic diversity.
  • Fact: Protocols for translocation to preserve genetic health.
• Enhanced Habitat Connectivity: Propose the development of ecological corridors and green infrastructure (e.g., wildlife overpasses and underpasses) to ensure the safe movement of tigers.
  • Fact: Developing corridors and overpasses for tiger movement.
• Community Involvement: Stress the importance of local community engagement in conservation, such as sharing benefits from eco-tourism.
  • Fact: Sharing profits from tiger tourism with local communities.
• Conflict Mitigation: Recommend the development of conflict mitigation strategies, including early warning systems and compensation for affected communities.
  • Fact: Enhance early warning systems, barriers, and support for affected communities.

5. Conclusion

• Summarize the success of Project Tiger in tiger conservation while emphasizing the need for continued, holistic efforts to address challenges.
• Conclude by reinforcing India’s commitment to tiger conservation and biodiversity.

Relevant Facts to Include:

1. Tiger Population Recovery: From 1,411 tigers in 2006 to 3,682 tigers in 2022.
2. Expansion of Tiger Reserves: From 9 reserves in 1973 to 55 in 2024.
3. International Recognition: 23 tiger reserves accredited by CATS.
4. Ecosystem Services: Tiger habitats support over 600 rivers.
5. Inbreeding Risks: Genetic health concerns, particularly in Ranthambore tigers.
6. Habitat Threats: Mining activities threaten habitats, e.g., in Corbett Reserve.
7. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing conflicts due to overlapping territories with human settlements.