2.3.1. Project Tiger

Tiger is one of the key wildlife species in the faunal web. In 1973, the authorities realised that the tiger population had dwindled to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century. The major threats to tiger population are numerous, such as poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey base species, growing human population, etc.

In 1973, it was discovered that the number of tigers had dramatically dropped from around 55,000 to just 1,827. This decline was caused by several factors. Poaching, or illegal hunting, was rampant as tigers were hunted for their skins and bones, which are highly valued in illegal trade. Additionally, as human populations grew, the forests where tigers lived were being cleared, shrinking their habitats. Furthermore, the availability of their prey, such as deer, was also decreasing due to over-hunting by humans. Each of these issues contributed significantly to the decline in tiger numbers.

Imagine a once-thriving neighborhood filled with unique homes and wildlife, but as more people move in, the houses start disappearing, and the natural spaces get paved over for parking lots. Just like the neighborhood's beauty fades, similarly, the tiger population dwindles when humans encroach on their habitat.

Since India and Nepal provide habitat to about two-thirds of the surviving tiger population in the world, these two nations became prime targets for poaching and illegal trading. 'Project Tiger', one of the well-publicised wildlife campaigns in the world, was launched in 1973. Tiger conservation has been viewed not only as an effort to save an endangered species, but with much of its forest and wildlife resources are either owned or managed by the government through the Forest Department or other government departments.

Recognizing the critical situation, India and Nepal initiated 'Project Tiger' in 1973. This project was not just about saving the tigers but also aimed at managing their habitats and the forests where they live. The government played a crucial role because many of India's forests are managed by various departments. The project sought to create reserves where tigers could thrive, protected from poaching and habitat destruction.

Think of Project Tiger like a superhero team coming together to protect a city under threat. Just as superheroes work to save the city and its people, Project Tiger was designed to save the endangered tigers and their homes, bringing communities and authorities together to help restore balance.

Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala are some of the tiger reserves of India.

To safeguard tigers, several national parks and wildlife reserves were set up. Notable ones include Corbett National Park and Sunderbans National Park. These reserves provide safe living spaces for tigers, free from poaching and habitat destruction. They are protected areas where the forests are carefully managed to ensure sufficient prey and natural conditions for tiger survival.

Imagine a safe school built especially for endangered animals where they can learn and grow without fear of predators. Tiger reserves are like those safe schools, providing a secure environment where tigers can thrive and the natural ecosystem can be preserved.

The conservation projects are now focusing on biodiversity rather than on a few of its components. There is now a more intensive search for different conservation measures. Increasingly, even insects are beginning to find a place in conservation planning.

Current conservation efforts emphasize protecting biodiversity, which includes not just tigers but all living species and their habitats. This holistic approach considers the interactions between different organisms, from large animals to even insects, recognizing that each species plays a role in the ecosystem. For effective conservation, all these components must be preserved together.

Think of a sports team where all players matter. If one player is missing, it affects the whole team's performance. Similarly, every species in an ecosystem is important. When we conserve every species, including insects, we ensure the whole ecosystem functions effectively, just like a winning team.

--