Daily Current Affairs : 11-January-2024
Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, aimed to shield India’s tigers from extinction due to rampant hunting and poaching. With a primary focus on conservation and habitat preservation, the project played a pivotal role in reviving the dwindling tiger population.
Objectives and Implementation:
- Objectives included tiger conservation, habitat protection, and controlling poaching.
- Launched in nine reserves, covering over 14,000 sq km, ensuring natural habitat preservation.
Success and Challenges:
- Tiger population surged, reaching around 3,000 by the 1990s.
- Setback in 2005 with the local extinction of tigers in Rajasthan’s Sariska.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) established to reconstitute Project Tiger.
Current Status:
- 54 tiger reserves across 75,000 sq km.
- Tiger population: 3,167, showcasing a steady rise from 1,411 in 2006.
- Goal: sustainable tiger population based on carrying capacity.
Post Project Tiger Launch Developments:
Formation of Tiger Task Force (2005):
- 5-member task force highlighted conflicts between forest bureaucracy and local communities.
Amendment of WLPA (2006):
- Wildlife Protection Act amended, leading to NTCA and a tiger conservation plan.
- Tiger reserves transitioned to statutory category in 2006.
Enactment of Forest Rights Act (2006):
- Recognized customary forest rights under FRA, securing livelihoods, especially for tribal populations.
- Introduced ‘Critical Wildlife Habitat’ to prevent diversion for non-forestry purposes.
Success Story of Project Tiger:
Global Recognition:
- Internationally acclaimed as India’s conservation success.
- Started with 9 reserves in 1973, now 54 in 18 states, covering 78,135.9 sq km.
- Critical Tiger Habitats cover 26% of the area under National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Tiger Population Growth:
- Tiger Census 2022 reported 3,167-3,925 tigers with a 6.1% annual growth.
- India claims to host 3/4th of the world’s tiger population.
- Technological Advancements – M-STrIPES assists in monitoring.
Concerns Regarding India’s Tiger Protection and Conservation Plans:
Buffer Area’s Intended Purpose:
- Aims for human-animal coexistence but inadvertently displaces local communities.
Long-Term Consequences of ‘Fortress Conservation’:
- Rise in man-wildlife conflicts as tigers are forced into landscapes disrupting coexistence.
Legal Frameworks and Relocation:
- WLPA and FRA mandate consent for relocation.
- LARR Act 2013 requires comprehensive rehabilitation packages.
- Concerns arise about consistent implementation of legal provisions.
Important Points:
Success and Challenges:
- Tiger population rose to around 3,000 by the 1990s.
- Setback in 2005 with local extinction in Sariska.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) established for reconstitution.
Current Status:
- 54 tiger reserves across 75,000 sq km.
- Tiger population: 3,167, showing steady growth.
- Goal: sustainable tiger population based on carrying capacity.
Post Project Tiger Launch Developments:
Formation of Tiger Task Force (2005):
- 5-member task force highlighted conflicts with local communities.
Amendment of WLPA (2006):
- Wildlife Protection Act amended, leading to NTCA.
- Tiger reserves transitioned to statutory category in 2006.
Enactment of Forest Rights Act (2006):
- Recognized customary forest rights under FRA.
- Introduced ‘Critical Wildlife Habitat’ to prevent diversion.
Success Story of Project Tiger:
Global Recognition:
- Internationally acclaimed as India’s conservation success.
- Started with 9 reserves, now 54, covering 78,135.9 sq km.
- Critical Tiger Habitats cover 26% of area under National Parks and Sanctuaries.
Tiger Population Growth:
- Tiger Census 2022 reported 3,167-3,925 tigers.
- India claims 3/4th of the world’s tiger population.
- M-STrIPES technology assists in monitoring.
Concerns Regarding India’s Tiger Protection and Conservation Plans:
Buffer Area’s Intended Purpose:
- Aims for human-animal coexistence but displaces local communities.
Long-Term Consequences of ‘Fortress Conservation’:
- Rise in man-wildlife conflicts due to forced tiger habitats.
Legal Frameworks and Relocation:
- WLPA and FRA mandate consent for relocation.
- LARR Act 2013 requires comprehensive rehabilitation.
- Concerns about consistent implementation of legal provisions.
Why In News
Launched in 1973, Project Tiger introduced India’s Tiger Reserves – which have since rapidly ascended in status, playing a crucial role in the conservation of these majestic creatures and their habitats.
MCQs about Project Tiger
-
What was the primary objective of Project Tiger launched in 1973?
A. Wildlife photography promotion
B. Conservation of tigers and their habitat
C. Poaching of tigers
D. Establishing zoos for tiger protection
-
In response to the local extinction of tigers in Sariska in 2005, what measure did the Indian government take?
A. Abolished Project Tiger
B. Established the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
C. Increased poaching penalties
D. Implemented a ban on tiger tourism
-
How has the tiger population in India changed from 2006 to 2022, according to the Tiger Census?
A. Decreased
B. Remained constant
C. Fluctuated unpredictably
D. Steadily increased
-
What technological advancement has been instrumental in monitoring and protecting tiger habitats?
A. Satellite-based tracking
B. M-STrIPES software
C. Drones for surveillance
D. Radio collars for tigers
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