Tiger Conservation - MINDMAP | Drishti IAS English

Summary

This episode of Mind Map delves into tiger conservation, highlighting the magnificent Royal Bengal tiger, its habitat, and the alarming decline in its population due to human activities and poaching. The Indian government initiated Project Tiger in 1973, establishing 53 tiger reserves to promote conservation efforts. The National Tiger Conservation Authority oversees these initiatives, while conservation standards like CATs guide effective management. Recent tiger relocations aim to bolster populations in dwindling areas. With India's tiger population increasing significantly, the episode emphasizes the need to sustain these efforts for future generations, reinforcing a cultural commitment to nature and wildlife conservation.

Takeaways

• 🐅 Tigers (Panthera tigris) are one of the largest predators and India’s national animal, predominantly found in various regions of India and neighboring countries.
• 📉 The tiger population has significantly declined due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans, particularly since the 1940s.
• 🛡️ Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to promote tiger conservation, making it the world's largest species conservation initiative.
• 🏞️ As of January 2023, India has established 53 tiger reserves covering an area of 75,796 square kilometers under Project Tiger.
• 📜 The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure legal compliance in managing tiger reserves.
• 🔍 The Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS) framework helps assess and improve management practices in tiger habitats.
• 📊 India is home to 70% of the global tiger population, with numbers increasing from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022 due to concerted conservation efforts.
• 🌱 Cultural beliefs in India promote the idea of harmony with nature, which supports ongoing conservation efforts.
• 🚧 Tiger relocation projects aim to reduce territorial disputes and reintroduce tigers in areas with declining populations.
• 🔄 Continued efforts are essential to maintain progress in tiger conservation and address potential human-animal conflicts arising from population recovery.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the discussion in the transcript?

The primary focus is on tiger conservation, including the introduction of tigers, causes of their population decline, and various conservation initiatives like Project Tiger and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

How many subspecies of tigers are recognized, and which one is the Indian subspecies?

There are eight recognized subspecies of tigers, and the Indian subspecies is known as the Royal Bengal Tiger.

What are some key physical characteristics of the Bengal Tiger?

The male Bengal Tiger typically ranges from 275 to 290 cm in body length, while females are around 260 cm. They have a thick yellow coat with dark stripes.

What are the major threats to tiger populations mentioned in the transcript?

Major threats include habitat degradation, dwindling prey populations, poaching, and increasing human-wildlife conflict due to habitat encroachment.

What was the purpose of Project Tiger, launched in 1973?

Project Tiger was launched to promote the conservation of tigers, providing funding and support to states for in-situ conservation efforts.

How many tiger reserves have been established in India under Project Tiger as of January 2023?

As of January 2023, there are 53 tiger reserves established in India under Project Tiger, covering a total area of 75,796 square kilometers.

What is the role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)?

The NTCA is a statutory body established to strengthen tiger conservation by providing legal authority, fostering accountability, and ensuring compliance with conservation directives.

What do the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS) aim to achieve?

CATS aims to establish criteria that ensure effective management and conservation of tiger habitats, contributing to the global goal of doubling wild tiger numbers.

What was the significance of the tiger relocation project initiated in 2018?

The tiger relocation project aimed to manage tiger populations by relocating individuals to areas with reduced populations, thereby reducing territorial disputes and enhancing conservation.

What progress has been made in India's tiger population from 2006 to 2022?

India's tiger population increased from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022, reflecting the success of conservation efforts like Project Tiger.