Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Launched in 1973, Project Tiger was a pioneering conservation initiative aimed at protecting the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and its prey base. Recognizing the alarming decline in tiger populations – estimated at around 1,800-2,000 in the 1960s – the project was initiated by the Indian government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It represented a paradigm shift in wildlife conservation, moving from a protectionist approach to a holistic ecosystem management strategy. The project aimed not only to increase tiger numbers but also to preserve the biodiversity of the habitats they occupy.
Salient Features of Project Tiger
Project Tiger was implemented in ‘core-buffer’ strategy. The core zones were strictly protected areas, while the buffer zones were areas where a more flexible approach to conservation was adopted, involving local communities.
- Phase I (1973-1987): Initially focused on nine tiger reserves, encompassing approximately 13,000 sq km. Key features included habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and relocation of villages.
- Phase II (1987-1997): Expanded the project to include more reserves and focused on strengthening conservation efforts in existing areas.
- Phase III (1997-2007): Emphasized corridor management to connect fragmented tiger populations and involved local communities more actively.
- Phase IV (2007-Present): Focuses on consolidating gains, addressing emerging threats like human-tiger conflict, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms.
Key Components
- Habitat Protection: Ensuring the integrity of tiger habitats through strict protection measures.
- Anti-Poaching Measures: Combating poaching through enhanced patrolling, intelligence gathering, and legal enforcement.
- Relocation of Villages: Voluntarily relocating villages from core areas to reduce human-animal conflict and provide space for tiger recovery.
- Monitoring and Research: Regularly monitoring tiger populations and conducting research to inform conservation strategies.
- Community Participation: Involving local communities in conservation efforts through benefit-sharing programs and awareness campaigns.
As of 2022 (knowledge cutoff), India had 53 tiger reserves covering approximately 75,000 sq km. The tiger population had increased to approximately 2,967, a significant achievement attributed to Project Tiger’s sustained efforts.
Conclusion
Project Tiger has been instrumental in reversing the decline of tiger populations in India, establishing a network of protected areas, and promoting community-based conservation. However, challenges such as poaching, habitat fragmentation, and human-tiger conflict remain. Continued investment in conservation efforts, coupled with innovative strategies and strong community engagement, is crucial to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species and the biodiversity of its ecosystems.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.