Tiger conservation has become an essential aspect of international biodiversity efforts. Tigers, recognized as top predators in the ecosystem, are significant in regulating and maintaining ecological processes. Moreover, their role is pivotal in sustaining the food chain by keeping the population of wild ungulates, primarily large mammals, in check. However, tigers’ existence is under threat, raising concerns about biodiversity loss. Hence, various initiatives have been undertaken to address this issue, with India playing a leading role.
Pre-Summit Meeting of Tiger Range Countries (TRCs)
India recently hosted a Pre-Summit meeting attended by representatives from 12 out of the 13 Tiger Range Countries (TRCs). These countries include India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR (People’s Democratic Republic), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Viet Nam, China (absent from the meeting) and Indonesia (also absent). The purpose of this meeting was to finalize a declaration on tiger conservation to be adopted at the upcoming Tiger Range Countries Summit, scheduled for 5th September 2022 in Vladivostok, Russia.
Tiger Conservation Status and Guidelines
The perilous situation of tigers is reflected in their conservation status. They are currently listed as ‘Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They are also protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. To further strengthen their protection, India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority has introduced guidelines for tigers’ reintroduction, which can be utilized by other Tiger Range Countries.
The Indian Scenario in Tiger Conservation
India’s dedication to tiger conservation is evident in its establishment of 52 Tiger Reserves spread across approximately 75,000 Sq Km area in 18 states. The country boasts around 75% of the world’s wild tiger population. Notably, India achieved its goal of doubling the tiger numbers in 2018, four years ahead of its target year 2022. Seventeen Tiger Reserves in the country have received the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) international accreditation, and two (Sathyamangalam and Pilibhit) have received the International Tx2 Award. India has also signed bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with several Tiger Range Countries and is actively collaborating with Cambodia to reintroduce wild tigers.
Trivia: Questions from Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination
For the aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services examination, here are few past-year questions:
In 2014, the exam asked about the locations of the Dampa Tiger Reserve, Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary, and Saramati Peak.
Another question in the 2020 paper was about which Tiger Reserve has the largest “Critical Tiger Habitat”.
A 2017 question touched upon ‘M-STrIPES’, a monitoring system for Tigers’ Intensive Protection and Ecological Status, mandating forest guards in tiger reserves to be equipped with personal digital assistants and GPS devices for effective field patrolling and monitoring.
These trivia questions provide insights into how the topic of Tiger Conservation intersects with India’s prestigious UPSC Civil Services examination.
In Conclusion: Commitment to Tiger Conservation
The decline in tiger populations globally is a cause for concern that calls for concerted efforts. Successful tiger conservation will have widespread effects, including the promotion of ecological balance, the maintenance of biodiversity, and enhancement of ecosystem services like clean air and water. Moving forward, it’s imperative to ensure that all potential tiger habitats are within the ambit of the tiger reserve network. India, along with other TRCs, should continue to foster initiatives and collaborations aimed at safeguarding these iconic animals.
