UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation
- GS Paper 1: Geography – Flora & Fauna distribution, Human-Wildlife Conflict
- GS Paper 2: Governance – Policies, Community Participation, International Treaties
- Essay/Ethics: Conservation vs Development, Climate Justice, Indigenous Rights
India, home to over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, has 54 designated tiger reserves under Project Tiger. Recent years (2024–25) have seen developments in new reserves, corridors, conservation technology, human-wildlife conflict management, and global collaborations. These highlight both progress and challenges in India’s tiger protection efforts.
New Tiger Corridors and Extensions
- Sahyadri–Konkan Corridor (Maharashtra–Goa–Karnataka): Connecting Sahyadri TR with Bhimgad WS and Mhadei WS to strengthen Western Ghats tiger population.
- Ranthambore–Kuno–Madhav Corridor (Rajasthan–Madhya Pradesh): Under study; may aid tiger dispersal but overlaps with cheetah reintroduction.
- Sundarbans–Buxa–Rajaji Corridor (West Bengal–Uttarakhand): Strengthening Eastern Himalayan connectivity.
- Tadoba–Pench–Kanha Corridor (Maharashtra–MP): Threatened by mining activities.
New Tiger Reserves (2024–25)
- Kawal TR Expansion (Telangana): Facing deforestation pressures.
- Guru Ghasidas–Sanjay NP (Chhattisgarh): Declared TR in 2022; tiger population revival ongoing.
- Raimona TR (Assam): Reports of rising tiger presence.
- Koderma WS Proposal (Jharkhand): Discussion to declare as TR for Eastern India conservation.
Human–Wildlife Conflict Cases (2024–25)
- Chandrapur (Tadoba–Andhari TR, Maharashtra): Village attacks; mitigated by fencing, relocation, and camera monitoring.
- Sundarbans (West Bengal): Tigers swimming into villages due to shrinking mangroves and rising seas; conservation via mangrove plantations, radio-collaring.
- Corbett TR (Uttarakhand): Leopards and tigers entering settlements; awareness and rapid response teams deployed.
- Bandipur & Wayanad (Karnataka–Kerala): Livestock predation; farmer compensation programs introduced.
Conservation Efforts
Technological Advancements
- AI & Drone Monitoring: Used in Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Kanha.
- Camera Traps: >20,000 installed nationwide for surveys.
Forest Restoration
- MP Green Corridors: 10,000 ha reforested near Pench & Satpura.
- Maharashtra: Native tree revival near Melghat TR.
Community Participation
- Eco-tourism in Kanha, Panna, Pench reserves.
- Karnataka’s “Livelihood & Conservation Model” compensates farmers for livestock loss.
International Collaboration
- India–Bhutan Corridor Agreement (2024): Linking Manas (India) and Royal Manas (Bhutan).
- India–Nepal Initiative: Reducing poaching between Valmiki TR & Chitwan NP.
- CITES & GTI: India pushing stricter anti-poaching laws.
Threats to Tiger Conservation
- Deforestation: Mining in Tadoba; illegal logging in Sundarbans.
- Poaching: Networks active in MP and Assam.
- Encroachment/Infrastructure: Highways in Pench, rail in Rajaji block corridors.
- Climate Change: Flooding in Sundarbans, droughts in MP reduce prey base.
- Human–Wildlife Conflict: Retaliatory killings in Maharashtra, Kerala.
New Initiatives under Project Tiger (2025)
- Increased Budget: More funds for anti-poaching, restoration, community inclusion.
- Mission Tiger 2047: Long-term strategy for self-sustaining populations by 2047.
- Core & Buffer Zone Expansion: Enlarged breeding grounds, eco-development in buffers.
New Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks (2024–25)
- Gondia WS (Maharashtra): Proposed.
- Kumbhalgarh NP (Rajasthan): Expansion under discussion.
- Trishna WS (Tripura): Expanded 2024.
- Anamalai–Parambikulam Corridor (TN–Kerala): Proposed 2025.
DNA Database (2025)
- India’s first national DNA database for tigers and endangered species (WII + NTCA).
- To track individuals, detect poaching, solve wildlife crimes.
Tiger Deaths & Poaching Trends (2024–25)
- 40 deaths in 2024 due to poaching, fights, conflict.
- Hotspots: Pench, Kanha, Satpura (MP); Tadoba, Melghat (MH); Ranthambore (RJ).
- AI-based predictive analysis and special forces deployed.
- Wildlife Act 2024 Amendment: Life imprisonment for repeat poachers.
Climate Change Threats
- Sundarbans: Rising seas, saltwater intrusion → tiger relocation.
- Central India: Droughts, heatwaves → prey decline; artificial waterholes, prey augmentation used.
Community-Led Success Stories
- Tiger-Friendly Farming (MH, Karnataka): Non-lethal deterrents (solar fences, alarms).
- Village Relocation: 10,000+ families relocated from core zones (Sariska, Sundarbans, Satpura).
- Compensation Schemes: Reduced retaliatory killings.
International Recognition & Partnerships (2025)
- Global Tiger Recovery Plan (2024–34): Strengthening transboundary corridors, intelligence-sharing.
- India–Bangladesh Mangrove Restoration: Joint plantation programs to stabilize tiger habitats.
Future Conservation Strategies
- Tiger Rewilding Programs: Relocating captive-bred tigers (Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand).
- Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Expansion: Buffers around reserves.
- Smart Patrols: Satellite + AI-based predictive monitoring.
- Community Incentives: Payments for forest protection.
Conclusion
India’s tiger conservation remains a global success story, but new challenges of climate change, infrastructure, and poaching threaten progress. Future strategies focus on technology, community participation, stronger laws, and transboundary cooperation to ensure tigers remain a thriving part of India’s biodiversity.