The Chhattisgarh government announced the establishment of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. This marks India’s 56th tiger reserve. The initiative aims to enhance the dwindling tiger population in the state. Furthermore, it opens doors for the potential reintroduction of cheetahs, last seen in the region in the 1940s.
Overview of the Tiger Reserve
The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve spans 2,829.387 square kilometres. It is the third largest tiger reserve in India. The reserve is located in four districts – Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur. It lies strategically between Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Palamau in Jharkhand.
Wildlife and Flora
The reserve hosts a diverse array of wildlife. Apart from tigers, it is home to elephants, sloth bears, leopards, wolves, and various bird species. The flora includes sal, saja, and dhavda trees. The varied geography features hills, plateaus, and rivers, offering rich habitats.
Current Tiger Population
Chhattisgarh currently has an estimated 30 tigers, including three sub-adults and two cubs. The population has drastically declined from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022. The new reserve is expected to support the growth of this population.
Strategies for Population Growth
To boost the tiger population, authorities plan to relocate tigresses from Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri. Additional measures include forming rapid response teams and enhancing communication with local villagers. Wildlife protection initiatives are also being strengthened.
Tiger Conservation Plan
A comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan is under development. This plan addresses various challenges, including improving connectivity for patrols and increasing the prey base. Grasslands and water bodies are being developed to support the tigers.
Community Engagement and Eco-Tourism
Authorities aim to create awareness among local villagers to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Residents will have options for voluntary relocation and priority for jobs linked to the reserve. Training in tourism-related activities will also be provided.
Future Developments
The government plans to establish an eco-tourism circuit. This includes developing infrastructure for ancient cave paintings and river walks. The reserve is also seeking a heritage site tag to enhance its profile.
Potential Reintroduction of Cheetahs
Wildlife activists advocate for the reintroduction of cheetahs to the reserve. This follows similar successful initiatives in Madhya Pradesh. Authorities are urged to prevent encroachments to ensure the reserve’s integrity.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the significance of establishing tiger reserves in India for wildlife conservation.
- Estimate the impact of eco-tourism on local communities surrounding wildlife reserves.
- Point out the challenges faced in tiger conservation efforts in India and suggest solutions.
- What is the role of local communities in wildlife conservation? How can their involvement be enhanced?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the significance of establishing tiger reserves in India for wildlife conservation.
- Provides a protected habitat for tigers, helping to stabilize and increase their population.
- Serves as important part of the ecosystem, maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
- Facilitates research and monitoring of wildlife, contributing to informed conservation strategies.
- Acts as a source of ecotourism, generating revenue for local economies while promoting conservation awareness.
- Enhances legal frameworks for wildlife protection, reducing poaching and habitat destruction.
2. Estimate the impact of eco-tourism on local communities surrounding wildlife reserves.
- Creates job opportunities in tourism-related sectors, such as guiding, hospitality, and handicrafts.
- Encourages local communities to engage in conservation efforts due to economic incentives.
- Promotes infrastructure development, improving access to basic services for residents.
- Can lead to cultural exchange and awareness about wildlife conservation among locals.
- However, it may also cause environmental stress if not managed sustainably.
3. Point out the challenges faced in tiger conservation efforts in India and suggest solutions.
- Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization; solution – Implement strict land-use policies and reforestation initiatives.
- Human-wildlife conflict, often leading to retaliation against tigers; solution – Create awareness and compensation schemes for affected farmers.
- Poaching and illegal wildlife trade; solution – Enhance patrolling and community involvement in wildlife protection.
- Insufficient funding for conservation projects; solution – Seek partnerships with NGOs and private sectors for financial support.
- Limited genetic diversity in isolated tiger populations; solution – Facilitate wildlife corridors to promote gene flow between reserves.
4. What is the role of local communities in wildlife conservation? How can their involvement be enhanced?
- Local communities act as stewards of the land, playing important role in monitoring and protecting wildlife.
- They can provide traditional knowledge about local ecosystems, contributing to conservation efforts.
- Involvement in eco-tourism can empower communities economically, aligning their interests with conservation goals.
- Enhancing involvement can be achieved through education and awareness programs about the importance of biodiversity.
- Establishing community-led conservation initiatives can encourage ownership and responsibility towards wildlife preservation.
