Project Tiger: Saving
India's National Animal
Project Tiger stands as a beacon of conservation in India, a flagship
effort dedicated to preserving the nation's majestic tiger
population. Launched in 1973, this initiative has played a pivotal
role in safeguarding these iconic creatures and their habitats.
Protecting tigers is not just about saving a species; it's about
maintaining the delicate balance of India's diverse ecosystem.
GROUP 1
Lavanya Sharma 23/086
Kashish Harsana 23/420
Tanvi Raghav 23/652
Sharwari Shivankar 23/1028
Medha Gupta 23/572
Minal Sharma 23/1028
Background: The Plight of the Tiger
Declining Populations Habitat Loss
The tiger population in India faced a severe decline due Deforestation and human encroachment resulted in
to historical hunting and habitat loss. Poaching for tiger significant habitat loss, with 1,179 sq km of forest
body parts, driven by the traditional medicine trade disappearing between 2015 and 2017. The
(estimated at $20B/year), further exacerbated the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
crisis. lists the tiger as an endangered species.
Goals and Objectives of
Project Tiger
1 Viable Population 2 Reduce Poaching
The primary goal is to ensure Strengthening anti-poaching
a viable population of tigers measures, including
in their natural habitats. This increased patrolling,
involves securing core intelligence gathering, and
breeding areas and creating strict law enforcement, is
safe corridors for movement. crucial to protecting tigers
from illegal hunting.
3 Mitigate Conflict
Implementing strategies to resolve conflicts between humans and
tigers, such as habitat management and community engagement, is
essential for coexistence.
Implementation
Strategies
Tiger Anti-Poaching Relocation
Reserves
Establish Implement Offer voluntary
designated areas patrolling, resettlement with
with strict intelligence compensation to
protection gathering, and law communities from
measures to enforcement to core tiger habitats.
safeguard tiger combat poaching.
habitats.
Key Achievements of Project Tiger
3682 53 \$15K
Tigers in 2022 Tiger Reserves Compensation
Significant increase in tiger Expansion of Tiger Reserves from 9 Successful relocation programs
population, from 1,411 in 2006 to initially to 53, covering approximately reduced human-animal conflict in
3,682 in 2022. (National Tiger 75,000 sq km. critical areas. Compensation per
Estimation Report) family.
Challenges and Setbacks
Persistent Poaching
Continued demand from international markets drives poaching,
despite increased protection efforts.
Human-Animal Conflict
Increasing incidents of conflict due to habitat fragmentation and
growing human populations pose a threat.
Funding Constraints
Insufficient financial resources hinder effective conservation and
expansion of programs.
Climate Change
Climate change threatens tiger habitats and prey populations,
impacting the long-term survival of tigers.
Current Status of Tiger Conservation
Anti-Poaching
2 Ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-
poaching measures and improve
Global Tiger Population habitat management are vital for
sustaining tiger populations.
India holds approximately 75% of the 1
global wild tiger population, making it Community Involvement
a critical player in tiger conservation.
Actively involve communities to
3 engage the public in conservation
efforts through education and
participation.
Future Plans and Strategies
1 Habitat Expansion
2 International Collaboration
3 Use of Technology
Future plans include expansion of tiger reserves and corridors to connect fragmented habitats, strengthening
international collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade, and employing technology such as drones and AI for
monitoring and anti-poaching. Furthermore, translocation programs will be used to enhance genetic variability.
Public Support and
Awareness
Awareness Ecotourism
Campaigns Promotion
Launch public awareness Promote responsible
campaigns to educate ecotourism to generate
communities about the revenue for conservation
intrinsic value of tiger efforts and support local
conservation. economies.
Community Involvement
Empower local communities to actively participate in
conservation efforts, ensuring their support and involvement.
Conclusion: A Future for Tigers
Project Tiger has played a critical role in the conservation of tigers in India. Continued commitment and
collaborative efforts are essential to ensure a sustainable future for these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems
they inhabit. By protecting tigers, we protect the health and biodiversity of India's natural heritage.
