Environment and Ecology — Project Tiger: 50 Years and Tiger Reserves
1. Project Tiger — Overview
Context: Project Tiger began in 1973 at Corbett National Park. It celebrated 50 years of tiger conservation in India.
- Started: 1973 at Corbett National Park
- Area covered: Tiger reserves spread over 75,000 sq km
- Tiger Population: India has more than 3,000 tigers in 53 tiger reserves
- Global Share: India accounts for 70% of the world's wild tiger population
Key Statistics:
- Project Tiger started: 1973
- Tiger Reserves: 53 (as of latest count)
- India's share: 70% of world's wild tigers
- Area: 75,000 sq km
2. State-wise Tiger Reserves
Maharashtra
- Melghat
- Tadoba-Andhari
- Pench
- Sahyadri
- Navegaon-Nagzira
- Bor
Karnataka
- Bandipur
- Bhadra
- Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)
- Nagarhole
- Biligiri Ranganatha Temple
Rajasthan
- Ranthambore
- Sariska
- Mukundara
- Ramgarh Vishdhari
Tamil Nadu
- Kalakad Mundanthurai
- Anamalai
- Mudumalai
- Sathyamangalam
- Srivilliputhur-Megamalai
Uttar Pradesh
- Dudhwa
- Pilibhit
- Ranipur
Andhra Pradesh
- Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
Chhattisgarh
- Indravati
- Udanti-Sitanadi
- Achanakmar
Telangana
- Kawal
- Amrabad
Kerala
- Periyar
- Parambikulam
Key Point: India has 53 tiger reserves across multiple states, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu having the highest number of reserves.
3. Global Tiger Conservation Initiatives
Global Tiger Forum (GTF) — 1994
- Only inter-governmental body for tiger conservation.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) — 2008
- Led by World Bank & partners.
Tx2 Goal — 2010 (St. Petersburg Summit)
- Aim to double wild tiger population by 2022.
- Base year: 2020.
Key Points:
- GTF (1994): Only inter-governmental body for tiger conservation; HQ: New Delhi
- GTI (2008): Led by World Bank
- Tx2 Goal (2010): Double wild tiger population by 2022
4. Tiger Census & Monitoring
Traditional Method
- Pugmark technique
Modern Methods
- Camera trapping
- DNA fingerprinting
M-StrIPES
- NTCA's app-based monitoring system.
- Introduced in 2010. (UPSC 2017)
LIDAR Technology
- Used to address human-animal conflicts.
Key Points:
- Traditional: Pugmark technique
- Modern: Camera trapping, DNA fingerprinting
- M-StrIPES (2010): NTCA's app-based monitoring system (UPSC 2017)
- LIDAR: Human-animal conflict management
5. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) & Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
NTCA
- Statutory body established in 2005 under MoEFCC.
- Established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended 2006).
WII
- Established: 1982, Dehradun.
- An Autonomous body under MoEFCC.
- Focuses on wildlife research & training.
6. Summary: Project Tiger at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Tiger Started | 1973 at Corbett National Park |
| Tiger Reserves | 53 (as of latest count) |
| Area Covered | 75,000 sq km |
| India's Global Share | 70% of world's wild tigers |
| GTF Established | 1994 (HQ: New Delhi) |
| Tx2 Goal | 2010 (St. Petersburg) — Double by 2022 |
| NTCA Established | 2005 (under WPA 1972, amended 2006) |
| M-StrIPES | 2010 — NTCA's app-based monitoring (UPSC 2017) |
| WII Established | 1982, Dehradun |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Project Tiger (1973): Started at Corbett; 53 reserves; 75,000 sq km; 70% of world's tigers
- Global Initiatives: GTF (1994, HQ New Delhi), GTI (2008, World Bank), Tx2 Goal (2010, double by 2022)
- Tiger Census: Traditional — Pugmark; Modern — Camera trapping, DNA fingerprinting
- M-StrIPES (2010): NTCA's app-based monitoring system (UPSC 2017)
- NTCA (2005): Statutory body under WPA 1972 (amended 2006)
- WII (1982): Dehradun; autonomous body under MoEFCC
- Maharashtra Tiger Reserves: Melghat, Tadoba-Andhari, Pench, Sahyadri, Navegaon-Nagzira, Bor
- Karnataka Tiger Reserves: Bandipur, Bhadra, Kali, Nagarhole, Biligiri Ranganatha
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Project Tiger)
Q1. Project Tiger was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 at Corbett National Park. It has since expanded to 53 tiger reserves covering 75,000 sq km.
Q2. What percentage of the world's wild tiger population does India host?
Correct Answer: C. India accounts for 70% of the world's wild tiger population, with more than 3,000 tigers in 53 tiger reserves.
Q3. The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) was established in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) was established in 1994. It is the only inter-governmental body for tiger conservation, with its headquarters in New Delhi.
Q4. The Tx2 Goal of doubling wild tiger population was adopted at which summit?
Correct Answer: C. The Tx2 Goal was adopted at the St. Petersburg Summit in 2010, aiming to double the wild tiger population by 2022.
Q5. M-StrIPES is a monitoring system developed by which authority?
Correct Answer: B. M-StrIPES is NTCA's app-based monitoring system introduced in 2010. (UPSC 2017)
Q6. Which technology is used to address human-animal conflicts?
Correct Answer: C. LIDAR Technology is used to address human-animal conflicts in tiger conservation.
Q7. Which of the following is NOT a tiger reserve in Maharashtra?
Correct Answer: D. Bandipur is a tiger reserve in Karnataka, not Maharashtra. Maharashtra's reserves include Melghat, Tadoba-Andhari, Pench, Sahyadri, Navegaon-Nagzira, and Bor.
Q8. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was established in:
Correct Answer: C. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was established in 1982 in Dehradun. It is an autonomous body under MoEFCC focusing on wildlife research and training.
Q9. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under which Act?
Correct Answer: B. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body established in 2005 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended 2006).
Q10. Which tiger reserve in Andhra Pradesh is the largest in India?
Correct Answer: C. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh is the largest tiger reserve in India.