Q. Examine the diverse conservation strategies adopted for the protection of endangered species in India. Assess the efficacy of protected areas, captive breeding programs and community-led conservation initiatives in ensuring long-term biodiversity preservation.
Ans: India, as a mega-diverse country, has adopted a multi-pronged approach to conserve its endangered species. These strategies range from legal protection and habitat preservation to ex-situ conservation and community engagement, reflecting a blend of ecological science and socio-cultural sensitivity.
Conservation Strategies in India
- In-situ Conservation:
- Establishment of Protected Areas: Includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves.
- Implementation of Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Snow Leopard, and Project Dolphin for flagship species.
- Use of wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones to maintain habitat connectivity.
- Ex-situ Conservation:
- Captive Breeding Programs for critically endangered species like Great Indian Bustard, Hangul, Vultures, and Red Panda.
- Maintenance of gene banks, zoological parks, and botanical gardens for genetic preservation.
- Community-Led Conservation:
- Recognition of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) under Forest Rights Act, Biodiversity Heritage Sites, and Community Reserves.
- Promotion of eco-tourism, traditional ecological knowledge, and livelihood-linked conservation.
Efficacy of Key Conservation Models
Protected Areas
- Strengths:
- India has over 900 protected areas, covering ~5% of its land.
- Effective in conserving charismatic megafauna like tigers and elephants.
- Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) scores show above-global-average performance.
- Limitations:
- Fragmentation and encroachment reduce ecological integrity.
- Many species exist outside protected zones, limiting coverage.
- Human-wildlife conflict and displacement of forest communities remain concerns.
Captive Breeding Programs
- Success Stories:
- Vulture Recovery Centres have bred and released hundreds of individuals.
- Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican breeding centres show promising hatch rates.
- Western Tragopan, Red Panda, and Indian Pangolin programs have improved genetic viability.
- Challenges:
- High costs, limited genetic diversity, and low reintroduction success.
- Requires habitat restoration and post-release monitoring for long-term impact.
Community-Led Initiatives
- Positive Outcomes:
- Bugun Liocichla Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh and Khasi REDD+ Project in Meghalaya show strong local stewardship.
- Olive Ridley Turtle conservation in Maharashtra and Yaongyimchen Biodiversity Reserve in Nagaland have revived species populations.
- Empowerment through Gram Sabhas, eco-tourism, and carbon offset programs.
- Constraints:
- Legal ambiguities, funding gaps, and limited technical support.
- Need for capacity building and integration with formal conservation frameworks.
Conclusion
India’s conservation landscape is diverse and evolving, with each strategy offering unique strengths. While protected areas provide foundational support, captive breeding and community-led models are essential for species outside traditional frameworks. A synergistic approach, combining scientific rigor, local participation, and policy innovation, is vital for ensuring long-term biodiversity preservation.
Read: OPSC Notes