Project Tiger: India’s Conservation Success Story
India has always been known for its diverse wildlife, and Project Tiger is a significant step towards preserving the country’s national animal. The project was launched in 1973 by the Government of India to conserve tigers, their habitats, and other wildlife. Since then, the project has been successful in achieving its goals and is considered one of the most successful conservation initiatives in the world.
Under Project Tiger, several tiger reserves were established across the country, which serve as protected areas for the big cats. These reserves cover an area of approximately 37,761 sq. km and are home to around 70% of the world’s tigers. The project has helped in stabilizing the declining tiger population and has resulted in an increase in their numbers in recent years.
The project has also helped in improving the habitat of tigers and other wildlife. It has led to the development of better infrastructure in and around the reserves, such as roads, waterholes, and anti-poaching camps. The project has also encouraged the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts, which has helped in reducing poaching and increasing awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
India’s efforts towards tiger conservation have been recognized globally, and the country is now considered a role model in wildlife conservation. In 2010, the Global Tiger Summit was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, where India announced its commitment to doubling its tiger population by 2022. The country achieved this target four years earlier, in 2018, and now has around 70% of the world’s tiger population.
In conclusion, Project Tiger is a remarkable example of India’s efforts towards wildlife conservation. The project has not only helped in preserving the national animal but has also improved the overall ecosystem of the tiger reserves. It has become a successful model for other countries to follow in their conservation efforts.
Why this News is important
Project Tiger is an essential topic for students preparing for government exams related to wildlife conservation, including civil services, forest services, and other related exams. The project is a significant success story in wildlife conservation and is a crucial part of India’s efforts towards preserving its national animal. The following paragraphs explain why this news is important for government exam aspirants:
Conservation and Biodiversity: The topic of conservation and biodiversity is an essential part of the syllabus for various government exams. Project Tiger is an excellent example of successful wildlife conservation and can help students understand the significance of such initiatives.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: India has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are essential topics for government exams. Many of these parks and sanctuaries are also tiger reserves, and knowledge about Project Tiger is necessary to understand their significance.
Environmental Policies: India’s environmental policies are an essential part of various government exams. Project Tiger is a significant initiative taken by the government towards wildlife conservation and is an example of how environmental policies can be implemented successfully.
Historical context
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 by the Government of India, with the aim of conserving the declining tiger population in the country. At the time, India’s tiger population had dropped to an alarming 1,800 from around 40,000 in the early 20th century. The project was launched as a response to this crisis, and the government identified nine tiger reserves for their protection.
Over the years, the project has been successful in increasing the number of tigers in the country, and now India has around 70% of the world’s tiger population. The project has
also helped in improving the habitat of tigers and other wildlife. It has led to the development of better infrastructure in and around the reserves, such as roads, waterholes, and anti-poaching camps. The project has also encouraged the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts, which has helped in reducing poaching and increasing awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
In 2006, the government launched the Phase II of the project, which aimed to consolidate the gains made under Phase I and address new challenges. The project was extended to cover other endangered species, such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephant, and their habitats. The government also initiated a program to connect the tiger reserves to each other to ensure genetic diversity.
In 2010, the Global Tiger Summit was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, where India announced its commitment to doubling its tiger population by 2022. The government launched the ‘Strategic Plan for Tiger Conservation’ in 2017, which aimed to further strengthen the conservation efforts and protect the tiger habitats.
Key Takeaways from “Project Tiger: India’s Conservation Success Story”:
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to conserve the declining tiger population in India. |
| 2 | The project has been successful in stabilizing the declining tiger population and has resulted in an increase in their numbers in recent years. |
| 3 | The project has also helped in improving the habitat of tigers and other wildlife, and has encouraged the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. |
| 4 | India is now considered a role model in wildlife conservation, and the country has around 70% of the world’s tiger population. |
| 5 | The government launched the Phase II of the project in 2006 to address new challenges, and the ‘Strategic Plan for Tiger Conservation’ in 2017 to further strengthen the conservation efforts. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q: What is Project Tiger?
A: Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation project launched by the Indian government in 1973 to protect the declining population of tigers in the country.
Q: What is the current status of tiger population in India?
A: According to the latest report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, India has around 2967 tigers, which is almost 70% of the world’s tiger population.
Q: What is the objective of the Strategic Plan for Tiger Conservation?
A: The objective of the Strategic Plan for Tiger Conservation is to further strengthen the conservation efforts and protect the tiger habitats in India.
Q: How has Project Tiger helped in improving the habitat of tigers?
A: Project Tiger has led to the development of better infrastructure in and around the tiger reserves, such as roads, waterholes, and anti-poaching camps. It has also encouraged the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts, which has helped in reducing poaching and increasing awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Q: What other species are covered under Project Tiger?
A: In Phase II of the project, which was launched in 2006, other endangered species, such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephant, and their habitats were also covered under the project.
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