Tiger conservation carries global importance, and it is particularly crucial in Asia, where many countries have embraced the responsibility of preserving tiger populations. Recently, the 4th Asia Ministerial Conference on tiger conservation was conducted, promising encouraging progress towards the Global Tiger Recovery Programme. Significantly, India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority has decided to launch guidelines regarding tiger reintroduction, potentially forming a blueprint for other Tiger Range Countries.
Insight into the Asia Ministerial Conference
The conference, co-organised by Malaysia and Global Tiger Forum (GTF), presented an opportunity for a comprehensive review of advancements in the Global Tiger Recovery Programme. Together with GTF, India played a crucial role; having been one of the founding members of GTF, the country operates as an intergovernmental platform for tiger range countries. GTF now expands its programs across multiple themes, collaborating extensively with the Government of India and several tiger states within India and abroad. The current Tiger Range Countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
The Importance of Tiger Conservation
Tigers are paramount to ecological balance, acting as top predators and playing a vital role in maintaining food chains. By regulating the population of wild ungulates, tigers help maintain a balance between herbivores and their food sources. Additionally, they inhabit forests known for providing essential ecological services, such as clean air, water, pollination, and temperature regulation.
Conservation Status of Tigers
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared tigers as endangered species. Likewise, the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 has incorporated tigers in Schedule I, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has included tigers in Appendix I.
The Tiger Population in India
Globally, over 70% of the tiger population can be found in India. The country houses 53 tiger reserves spread across 18 states. In 2018, India saw a substantial increase in its tiger population. Notably, the country achieved a remarkable feat by doubling its tiger count four years ahead of the set target year of 2022. The exemplary success of India’s tiger conservation efforts has paved the way for other wildlife protection initiatives, such as those implemented for lions, dolphins, leopards, snow leopards, and other small wild cats.
Conservation Measures Undertaken
To ensure strict adherence to conservation benchmarks, 14 Tiger Reserves in India have obtained international Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) accreditation. Efforts are underway to bring more reserves under this accreditation. Furthermore, the Project Tiger scheme launched in 1973 continues to offer safe havens to tigers within national parks. The country’s budget allocation toward tiger conservation has seen a considerable rise, going from Rs. 185 crore in 2014 to Rs. 300 crore in 2022. Additionally, measures are adopted to assist the frontline staff, an important pillar in tiger conservation, by providing considerable life and health coverage.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024