Table of Contents
History
Project was launched in 1973 by the Government of India, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), with the primary aim of conserving tigers in their natural habitats. At that time, the tiger population in India was alarmingly low, with only around 1800 tigers left in the wild. The project was initiated to arrest the decline in the tiger population and to increase the numbers of these majestic cats in their natural habitats.
Objectives
The main objective of Project is to conserve the tiger population in India and to protect their natural habitats. This conservation program has several objectives, some of which are:
- To reduce the impact of human activities on tigers and their habitats.
- To protect tiger habitats and corridors to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
- To monitor the tiger population and their habitats regularly.
- To undertake scientific studies on tigers and their habitats.
- To create public awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.
Implementation of Project Tiger
Project is implemented in tiger reserves across India, covering a total area of approximately 40,000 square kilometers. The project is managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The NTCA is responsible for the overall management of the project, including the selection and management of tiger reserves, monitoring tiger populations, and the implementation of conservation measures.
Impact of Project Tiger
The implementation of Project has had a significant impact on tiger conservation in India. The number of tigers in India has increased from around 1800 in the 1970s to over 3000 in recent years. The project has also led to the creation of tiger reserves, which have helped in protecting the natural habitats of tigers. The creation of corridors has also helped in the movement of tigers from one habitat to another, thereby increasing their chances of survival.
Challenges faced by Project Tiger
Project has faced several challenges in its implementation. Some of the major challenges are:
- Human encroachment: Human encroachment in tiger habitats is one of the major challenges faced by Project Tiger. Human activities such as deforestation, poaching, and encroachment of tiger habitats for agriculture and settlement have resulted in the loss of tiger habitats.
- Poaching: Poaching is one of the major threats to tiger populations in India. Despite strict laws and regulations, poaching still occurs, and tiger parts are smuggled to other countries for illegal trade.
- Climate change: Climate change is another challenge that Project is facing. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can have a significant impact on the distribution and survival of tigers.
- Lack of funds: Lack of funds is also a major challenge for the project. The project requires a significant amount of funds for its implementation, and the government’s budget for conservation programs is often limited.
Conclusion
Project has been a significant success story in tiger conservation in India. The project has helped in increasing the tiger population in India and has also led to the creation of tiger reserves, which have protected the natural habitats of tigers.
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