TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Ranthambore National Park has witnessed significant fluctuations in its tiger population over the past decades, from the brink of extinction to gradual recovery under Project Tiger.
EXPLANATION:
- However, despite the visible success in population growth, genetic studies reveal underlying threats posed by inbreeding due to geographic isolation.
Genetic Isolation and Inbreeding
- Genetic studies indicate that Ranthambore tigers, with a population size of 69 individuals, exhibit signs of inbreeding, posing risks to their long-term viability.
- Fragmentation of habitats and isolation from larger tiger landscapes have contributed to genetic isolation, exacerbating the effects of inbreeding.
Potential Implications of Inbreeding Depression
- Inbreeding depression, characterized by reduced fitness and increased susceptibility to genetic disorders, poses a significant concern for the Ranthambore tiger population.
- While no conclusive evidence of inbreeding depression has been observed yet, genetic studies highlight the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.
Importance of Genetic Rescue
- To counteract the effects of inbreeding and enhance genetic diversity, genetic rescue through facilitated gene flow is proposed.
- Genetic rescue involves introducing individuals from external populations to introduce new genes and increase genetic diversity within the Ranthambore tiger population.
Challenges and Considerations
- While genetic rescue offers a potential solution, it also entails risks such as outbreeding depression, necessitating careful planning and evaluation.
- The urgency of genetic rescue must be weighed against on-ground challenges, including habitat fragmentation, anthropogenic pressures, and political constraints.
Strategies for Genetic Rescue
- Proposed strategies for genetic rescue include translocation of tigers from different landscapes to establish new gene pools within Ranthambore and neighboring tiger reserves.
- Maximizing connectivity and facilitating natural dispersal between satellite populations are also recommended to promote gene flow and minimize extinction risks.
Collaborative Efforts and Policy Considerations
- Effective genetic rescue requires collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to develop and implement strategies.
- The involvement of government agencies such as the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is essential in coordinating conservation efforts and facilitating proactive measures.
Urgency and Mitigation
- While natural dispersal and habitat restoration efforts may contribute to genetic vitality over time, the urgency of the situation necessitates active mitigation measures.
- Pragmatic approaches must be adopted to address genetic challenges promptly and ensure the long-term survival of the Ranthambore tiger population.
Ranthambore National Park:
- Ranthambore National Park was established initially as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India.
- In 1973, it was declared as one of the Project Tiger reserves in India.
- It was on 1st November, 1980 that Ranthambore was declared a national park, while the forests located beside it were named Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary & Keladevi Sanctuary.
- Ranthambore National Park is located in Rajasthan.
- It is located at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.
- It is the natural habitat to the significant number of Royal Bengal tigers.
- Apart from tigers, the major wild animals include Leopard, Nilgai, Wild boar, Sambar, Hyena, Sloth bear and Chital.
- The number of tigers and their cubs in the adjoining areas of Ranthambore has gone up from 66 in 2019 to 81 in 2021.