TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Project Tiger, a cornerstone initiative in wildlife conservation, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. While initially hailed as a success, recent observations suggest a need for a deeper understanding of its strategies and outcomes.
EXPLANATION:
- A critical assessment is essential to address discrepancies between public perception and on-ground realities.
Methodological Concerns in Population Monitoring:
- Model-Based Inference:
- India’s tiger population monitoring relies on model-based inference, shifting from the pugmark census method post-2004.
- However, concerns regarding the robustness of the model have been raised by specialists, casting doubt on reported population growth.
- Analogy with Speedometer Reading:
- Like a speedometer reading in heavy traffic, reported tiger numbers should be scrutinized, considering methodological discrepancies and ecological principles.
Ecological Considerations in Tiger Conservation:
- Occupancy-Abundance Relationship:
- The focus on increasing tiger numbers within confined reserves without corresponding habitat expansion is questioned.
- Neglecting the occupancy-abundance relationship may lead to unnatural habitat modifications and increased human-wildlife conflicts.
- Human Impact Perspective:
- The identity of threats to tiger conservation (e.g., local communities, poachers) is less relevant than the extent of harm caused.
- A unified approach involving all stakeholders, regardless of background, is advocated for effective conservation strategies.
Need for Scientific Rigor and Stakeholder Involvement:
- Shallow Understanding of Tiger Ecology:
- Despite significant funding, our understanding of tiger ecology remains limited. Paradoxical trends and inbreeding within populations highlight the need for a critical, science-based approach.
- Lack of Vibrant Scientific Debate:
- The absence of robust scientific discourse within the Indian conservation community is concerning.
- Encouraging questioning and re-evaluation is essential for progress in tiger conservation.
- Role of International NGOs:
- Large international NGOs involved in tiger conservation should actively contribute to scientific discourse, even if it challenges existing narratives.
- Their involvement can foster a culture of critical inquiry and enhance conservation efforts.
Future Directions for Project Tiger:
- Incorporating Advanced Methodologies:
- Project Tiger must evolve to incorporate advanced scientific methodologies to ensure conservation strategies are responsive to ecological realities.
- Fostering Critical Inquiry:
- A culture of critical inquiry should be fostered within the conservation community to ensure sound scientific foundations for tiger conservation.
- Global Best Practices:
- Drawing lessons from rigorous scientific programs like space research, Project Tiger can enhance its effectiveness and ensure sustainable tiger conservation for the next 50 years.
Project Tiger:
- Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
- It aimed at conserving India’s tiger population by establishing Tiger Reserves.
- Over time, these reserves have expanded significantly, growing from nine reserves covering 9,115 sq. km to 54 reserves across 18 states.
- It encompasses 78,135.956 sq. km.
- Using camera-trap methods, the tiger population is estimated to be between 3,167-3,925.
- It showcased a growth rate of 6.1% annually and positioning India as a global tiger stronghold, housing approximately 75% of the world’s tigers.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) of 1972 laid the groundwork for protected areas, such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- The subsequent introduction of Project Tiger led to the statutory establishment of Tiger Reserves in 2006.
- This period also saw the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the identification of Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH) within the reserves.