Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India

June 10, 2024

14 Minutes

Introduction

India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries globally, harboring a remarkable 7.6% of all mammal species, 12.6% of birds, 6.2% of reptiles, and 6.0% of flowering plants. the nation encompasses four of the 35 globally-recognised biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and the Nicobar Islands in Sundaland. These regions are crucial reservoirs of biodiversity on Earth.

To safeguard this rich ecological diversity, India has established a network of conservation areas, including over 106 national parks, 515 wildlife sanctuaries, 75 Ramsar wetland sites, and 18 Bio-Reserves. Impressively, 10 of these Bio-Reserves are part of the prestigious World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Given the escalating human encroachment on natural habitats, the Indian Government has implemented various initiatives to protect its wildlife. A standout effort is the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, a comprehensive legislation that forbids the trade of rare and endangered species. This law plays a pivotal role in curbing illegal activities that threaten the survival of vulnerable wildlife.

With Wildlife Protection Act a statutory facet of India's commitment to conservation, the government has spearheaded numerous schemes and projects to sustain its rich wildlife. Let's dive into some significant wildlife conservation initiatives undertaken by the Government of India.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 serves as a crucial legal framework for safeguarding diverse species of wild animals and plants, managing their habitats, and regulating the trade in wildlife and related products. 

• This landmark legislation laid the foundation for tiger conservation by establishing National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. 

• It also delineated specific rights in favour of state governments and introduced the concept of Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH).

• In a significant amendment in 2006, the Wildlife (Protection) Act led to the formation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the development of a comprehensive tiger conservation plan.

Project Tiger

• Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, stands as a pivotal wildlife conservation effort in India. Its core mission is to safeguard and sustain the population of tigers in their native habitats by establishing designated Tiger Reserves. 
• The project commenced with nine reserves, covering a total area of 9,115 square kilometers. This undertaking marked a significant shift in wildlife conservation strategies, emphasizing the importance of dedicated efforts to protect and maintain the natural habitats crucial for the survival of tigers.

Tiger Task Force

• The Tiger Task Force (TTF) was an important group set up in 2003 by the government to assess the management of tiger reserves and suggest ways to better protect and manage tigers in India.
• The concept of creation of TTF originated during the second meeting of National Board for Wildlife on March 17, 2003. It was finally set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on April 19, 2005.
• TTF also held the responsibility to look into how to help local people and forest workers be more involved in saving tigers, and how to count tigers more accurately.
• It was also tasked with the responsibility of looking into new ways to manage wildlife and to spread why wildlife conservation is important.
• It was set up in the wake of news reports on disappearance of tigers from Sariska Tiger Reserve.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) 

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was founded in 2005, following recommendations from the Tiger Task Force.
• It was established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
• The NTCA functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) 
• Its objective was to grant legal authority to Project Tiger directives and enhance accountability in Center-State management of Tiger Reserves through MoUs with States within the federal structure

Objectives of a Tiger Reserve

• A Tiger Reserve's main job is to protect and save tigers. It does this by keeping their homes safe, which is super important for the well-being of tigers and other animals. 
• These reserves also help save different plants and animals by protecting the places they live. Moreover, Tiger Reserves play a big role in keeping nature balanced by making sure different species can interact and get along within the reserve.

Achievements of Project Tiger

• In 1973, Project Tiger commenced with nine reserves covering 9,115 sq. km. By 2018, it expanded to 55 reserves across various states, covering a total area of 78,135.956 sq. km, equivalent to 2.38% of India's land area.
• Currently, India is home to over 3,000 tigers, representing over 70% of the global tiger population.
• India achieved its goal outlined in the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation in 2018, four years ahead of the target.

Source: NTCA

Project Elephant

Source: The India Express

Introduction

Three elephant species exist globally, with Africa hosting two and Asia hosting one. The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) holds the title of India's largest terrestrial mammal, necessitating expansive forested habitats for sustaining viable populations. 

In Asia, elephants are found in 13 countries, but India houses over 60% of the global Asiatic elephant population.

The current wild elephant distribution across India in 10 landscapes identified by the Elephant Task Force in 2010 is limited to four main areas: 

• North-eastern India: Northern West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
• Central India: Southern West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.
• North-western India : Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• Southern India: Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

About Project Elephant

• Elephants are considered a special part of India's heritage and are kept safe by the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.
• To take care of the places where elephants live and to reduce problems between elephants and people, the Indian government started "Project Elephant" in 1991-92.
• This project, managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, helps states in India that have elephants by giving them money and technical support.
• The aim of the project is to make sure elephants and people can live peacefully together.

Elephants in India

• India is home to the most wild Asian Elephants, with around 29,964 of them as per the 2017 census conducted by Project Elephant.
• Among Indian states, Karnataka has the most elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
• The number of wild elephants got better, going up from approximately 25,000 in 1992 to around 30,000 in 2021.
• The Gaj Yatra program and Gaj Shilpi initiative engage people to spread awareness about elephant conservation.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List identifies and categorizes species at risk of extinction.

• African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta Cyclotis): Critically Endangered
• African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta Africana): Endangered
• Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Endangered

Important Elephant Reserves in India

• Garo Hills Elephant Reserve (Meghalaya)
• Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve (West Bengal)
• Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve (Odisha)
• Shivalik Elephant Reserve (Uttarakhand)
• Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve (Assam)
• Deomali Elephant Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Mysore Elephant Reserve (Karnataka)
• Nilgiri Elephant Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
• Wayanad Elephant Reserve (Kerala)
• Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve (Assam)

Project Hangul

Introduction

The Hangul, a subspecies of the Central Asian Red Deer, is native to northern India, particularly in areas like the Kashmir Valley and Dachigam National Park.

The Hangul reside in social groups within riverine forests, high valleys, and mountains in Kashmir and the northern Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. 

It is commonly found in conservation reserves like Bren-Nishat, encompassing Cheshmashahi Forest Reserve, Khrew Khanagund, Shikargh, and Overa Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Project Hangul

• Project Hangul was initiated in 1970 by the Kashmir government with assistance from WWF. In 2009, the project was renamed "Save Kashmir's Red Deer Hangul.
• " The Kashmir red stag, also called hangul, is the focus of this conservation effort. 
• The former state of Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with IUCN and WWF, launched the project to safeguard hangul animals, later officially named Project Hangul.

Wildlife Conservation Fund

• Established in 2010, the Wildlife Conservation Fund focuses on preserving the wildlife and wilderness of Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Its primary goal is the conservation of the Hangul, a subspecies of the Central Asian Red Deer. The fund aims to achieve this through community involvement, awareness programs, and wildlife management. 
• The Hangul Conservation Project (HCP) is a key initiative launched by the fund, addressing various issues concerning the endangered Hangul species, especially in Dachigam National Park. The overall objective is to foster harmony between humans and wildlife by changing attitudes towards nature.

Threats to Hangul Deer

• Poaching has been identified as the primary cause of the decline in the Hangul population both in the past and present.
• The militarisation of Kashmir has also led to destruction of the habitat of Hangul deer.
• The lack of adequate patrolling to prevent wildlife crimes and security issues in certain parts of Dachigam National Park hinders the effective implementation of protection activities.
• Another significant problem is the intrusion of nomadic livestock herders, and the predation of fawns by their guard dogs, which is not effectively addressed.
• Competition for grazing grounds with livestock poses a threat and the associated risk of disease transmission.
• Moreover, the Hangul population in the Dachigam landscape appears to have low genetic variation compared to other species, making it susceptible to the negative effects of inbreeding.

Project Dolphin

Introduction

• Dolphins are aquatic animals that live in various types of water, including saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater. 
• In Indian waters and along its coasts, there are reports of 15 species of marine and harbor dolphins. The Irrawaddy Dolphins are located in the brackish waters of Odisha, while the Gangetic Dolphin, a freshwater species, is found in the Ganges River and its tributaries. 
• Additionally, Indus River Dolphins have been spotted in the Indus River in Punjab.

About Project Dolphin

• Project Dolphin, modeled after the successful Project Tiger that contributed to the growth of the tiger population, was unveiled on 15 August 2020 during the 74th Independence Day celebrations.
• Launched in 2021, Project Dolphin is a government initiative in India aimed at conserving both riverine and oceanic dolphin species. The project operates under the Wildlife Institute of India, an autonomous body within the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

Conservation Status of Dolphins in India

• Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest protection level).
• Under "Endangered" category of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Designated as 'most endangered' by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
• Listed in Appendix I and II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Threats to Dolphins in India

• Bycatch: Dolphins and people both prefer areas with abundant fish and slower water currents, leading to accidental deaths of dolphins in fishing nets.
• Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and human pollution poses a significant threat, causing habitat degradation.

• Dams: The construction of dams and irrigation projects limits movement, making dolphins susceptible to inbreeding and more vulnerable to various threats.

Project Snow Leopard

Introduction

• The Snow Leopard, commonly known as the 'ounce,' is a substantial member of the feline (cats) family indigenous to the mountainous terrains of Central and South Asia.  
• The Snow Leopard, inhabits the high-altitude Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions, typically at elevations exceeding 2700 meters above sea level. Their diverse prey base comprises Ghoral, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Tibetan Argali, Himalayan Ibex, Marmots, Pikas, and Hares.

Snow Leopard Conservation Initiative (SLCI)

• Initiated in 2009, this program aims to foster an all-encompassing and collaborative strategy for the preservation of snow leopards and their ecosystems. 
• Recognized as one of the 21 critically endangered species prioritized for recovery by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the SLCI underscores the importance of a comprehensive and participatory approach to safeguarding these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Image Source: Nature Safari India

Legal Status and Conservation Designations

• Enlisted under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, providing legal protection within India.
• Recognized by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) with the highest conservation status globally and in India.
• Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List by the World Conservation Union, highlighting its susceptibility to endangerment.

Project Sea Turtle

Introduction

• Sea turtles are reptiles adapted for life in the ocean, featuring sleek bodies and large flippers. 
• The sea turtle family includes Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley turtles.
• These five turtle species inhabit warm tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.

About Project Sea Turtle

• The Sea Turtle Conservation Project, launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in November 1999, collaborates with UNDP, and the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, acts as the implementing agency.
• The project operates in ten coastal states, with a special focus on the state of Orissa.

Conservation Status of Sea Turtles in India

As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the designation of the various types of sea turtles is                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

• Flatback Turtle: Information Insufficient
• Green Turtle: At Risk
• Hawksbill Turtle: in Serious Danger
• Kemp’s Ridley Turtle: in Serious Danger
• Loggerhead Turtle: Needs Protection
• Olive Ridley: Needs Protection
• Leatherback Turtle: Needs Protection

Project Rhino

About Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros

The Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is one of Asia's three rhino species, along with the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. These rhinos are found mainly in Eastern India and in some parts of Nepal.

These rhinos face serious threats from poaching and loss of their natural habitats. To address these challenges, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia, popularly known as 'Rhino Nations' signed the 'New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019,' committing to protect and conserve these majestic animals.

The Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Also, all three rhino species, including the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, the Sumatran Rhinoceros and Javan Rhinoceros, are listed under Appendix I of CITES as their numbers declined drastically in the past. This listing provids them with the highest level of international protection against trade. In India, the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to ensure strong legal measures for its conservation.

The Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros is mainly found in small regions in the Indo-Nepal terai, and in northern West Bengal and Assam. In India, significant populations of these rhinos inhabit

• Kaziranga National Park (Assam).
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam).
• Orang National Park (Assam).
• Manas National Park (Assam).
• Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal).
• Gorumara National Park (West Bengal).
• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh).

These protected areas play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of this species. 

Project Rhino and Indian Rhino Vision 2020

Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was a joint initiative launched in 2005 with a collaboration of different prominent wildlife conservation departments in India to translocate the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros from Kaziranga National Park, where they were in greater numbers, to areas where they were much needed. The initiative aimed to increase the population of the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros from a few hundreds to 3,000 by 2020. The organizations included in the project were:

• Assam Forest Department.
• Bodoland Territorial Council.
• World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
• International Rhino Foundation (IRF).
• US Fish and Wildlife Service.

 For the accomplishment of this aim, the vision was divided into two phases:

Phase I: Protection of the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinos

The aim of the project in the initial year-long phase was to bolster the protection for already-existing rhinos in national parks. The initiative believed that before attempting to increase the rhino population, it was crucial to safeguard the existing population. Special task forces were hired to strengthen patrolling at Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Poaching is one of the biggest threats to one-horned rhinos, and the special task forces tried to reduce this threat during the phase.

Phase II: Translocation and Re-introduction of Rhinos within Assam

Before translocating rhinos, suitable sites were identified for their relocation. The grasslands of Manas National Park were found to be one of the best places for this purpose. The first translocation of a one-horned rhino to Manas was in 2006 from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC). This effort began with CWRC and was later supported by Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park.

Manas was once a habitat for rhinos. Unfortunately, during the civil conflict from 1996 to 2004, Manas National Park became a target for poachers and the last rhino was spotted there in 1996. However, with the second phase of Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) in 2020, Manas once again become home to the splendid one-horned rhinoceros. Through rigorous efforts by the participating organisations, a total of 22 rhinos were introduced in Manas National Park by 2012. 

The relocation of rhinos helped Manas National Park earn back its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2011. 

Outcome of the Project

The program came to an end in early 2021. The project managed to significantly increase the population the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros from less than 500 in 2005 to around 4,000 in 2021. Despite its success, the participating organisations could translocate these rhinos to only one location instead of four due to various reasons.

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1 : Consider the following statements regarding Project Tiger in India:

1. Project Tiger was initiated in the year 1973 with the establishment of nine tiger reserves.
2. By 2018, the project had expanded to include 55 tiger reserves across various states in India.
3. The total area covered by these reserves is approximately 78,135.956 sq. km, which constitutes about 3.5% of India's total land area.
4. As of the latest data, India hosts over 3,000 tigers, accounting for more than 70% of the world's tiger population.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1, 2, and 4 only

B) 2, 3, and 4 only

C) 1, 2, and 3 only

D) All of the above

Question 2: Regarding the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation, consider the following statements:

1. India achieved its tiger population target set under the declaration four years ahead of the schedule.
2. The declaration was adopted in 2010 with a global goal to double the tiger population by 2022.
3. Project Tiger's expansion to 55 reserves by 2018 was a significant contribution towards achieving the St. Petersburg Declaration's goal.
4. The declaration exclusively focused on the conservation of tigers in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1, 2, and 3 only

B) 2, 3, and 4 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) All of the above

Question 3: Consider the following statements about wildlife conservation projects in India:

1. Project Elephant was launched following the success of Project Tiger to replicate its conservation strategies for elephants.
2. As of 2018, the area covered by tiger reserves under Project Tiger was equivalent to 2.38% of India's land area.
3. Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation are all initiatives under the same international conservation agreement.
4. India's effort in expanding tiger reserves has been crucial in making it home to over 70% of the global tiger population.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1, 2, and 4 only

B) 2 and 4 only

C) 1, 3, and 4 only

D) 1 and 3 only

Answers and Explanations

Question 1: Answer A (1, 2, and 4 only)Statement 3 is incorrect because the total area covered by tiger reserves is indeed approximately 78,135.956 sq. km, but this constitutes about 2.38% of India's total land area, not 3.5%.

Question 2: Answer A (1, 2, and 3 only)
Statement 4 is incorrect because the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation is a global agreement and not exclusively focused on the conservation of tigers in India. It aims to double the world's tiger population, with various tiger-range countries, including India, committing to this goal.

Question 3: Answer B (2 and 4 only)
Statement 1 is incorrect because although Project Elephant was inspired by the success of Project Tiger, it was initiated as a separate effort specifically for the conservation of elephants, not as a direct replication of Project Tiger’s strategies. Statement 3 is incorrect because Project Tiger and Project Elephant are Indian initiatives, while the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation is an international agreement. They are not all under the same international conservation agreement, although Project Tiger’s achievements contribute to the goals of the St. Petersburg Declaration.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Discuss the significance of wildlife conservation initiatives in India, such as Project Tiger, in the broader context of environmental protection and sustainable development. Evaluate the interconnectedness of these conservation projects with the welfare of local communities and the overall health of ecosystems.

Model Answer

India's commitment to wildlife conservation is exemplified through landmark initiatives like Project Tiger, showcasing a holistic approach to environmental protection and sustainable development. These efforts underscore the intrinsic link between saving endangered species, preserving ecosystems, and enhancing community livelihoods.

Conservation and Biodiversity

At the heart of these initiatives is the protection of natural habitats, crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. By securing forests, wetlands, and other critical habitats, conservation projects ensure the survival of a myriad of species, contributing to the global fight against climate change and habitat loss.

Sustainable Development

These conservation efforts align with sustainable development goals by promoting eco-tourism and providing alternative livelihoods to local communities. This not only aids in reducing poverty but also in fostering a culture of conservation, where economic benefits are directly linked to the preservation of natural resources.

Community Engagement

The active involvement of local communities is pivotal. By integrating conservation with community welfare, these initiatives have successfully mitigated human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring the long-term success of conservation projects. This synergy between conservation and community development is crucial for the sustainability of these efforts.

Conclusion

In summary, India's wildlife conservation projects represent a balanced fusion of environmental protection, community involvement, and sustainable development. Through initiatives like Project Tiger, the country has demonstrated that conserving biodiversity and supporting local communities can go hand in hand, leading to a more sustainable and ecologically balanced future.