Wildlife Conservation: Success stories

With its rich tapestry of biodiversity, India is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some of the most iconic species on the planet. The country's vast landscapes, ranging from the Himalayan snow peaks to the sprawling deserts of Rajasthan and the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats, provide critical habitats for numerous animal species. Among these, the Bengal Tiger, the One-horned Rhino, and the Great Indian Bustard stand out not only as symbols of India's rich natural heritage but also as indicators of the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.

- Anirban Dasgupta

Project Tiger: A Legacy of Tiger Conservation

Launched in 1973, Project Tiger was one of the most significant initiatives in wildlife conservation in India, aimed at safeguarding the dwindling tiger population. At the time of its inception, India was home to approximately 40,000 tigers, but rampant poaching and habitat loss had drastically reduced their numbers. Today, after decades of concerted efforts, the tiger population in India has shown a promising recovery, with the latest census revealing a population of over 2,900 tigers.

Key Strategies and Achievements:

- *Protected Areas: * The project established a network of 50 tiger reserves covering vast areas of forest. Notable reserves include Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha.

- *Community Involvement: * Engaging local communities through awareness programs and eco-development initiatives, thereby minimizing human-tiger conflicts.

- *Anti-poaching Measures: * Strengthening law enforcement to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

- *Monitoring Programs: * Implementing state-of-the-art tracking technologies and methodologies, such as camera traps and pugmark tracing, to monitor tiger populations.

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020