India recently reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe habitats for its tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco systems during a virtual meeting held on International Tiger Day (29th July). The Global Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards (CAITS) also accredited 14 Indian Tiger Reserves. They are part of the ongoing efforts towards tiger conservation, a endeavor that holds significance not just for the protection of this magnificent animal but overall biodiversity and ecological health.
Conservation Status of Tigers
Tigers in India are granted protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 where they are listed under Schedule I. Globally, they are classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Additionally, they are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thereby prohibiting their international trade.
Significance of Tiger Conservation
Tiger conservation stands as a symbol of overall forest conservation as these apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health and diversity of an ecosystem. By keeping the population of wild ungulates in check, tigers maintain the balance between prey herbivores and vegetation, thus preserving the integrity of forest ecosystems.
Moreover, forests provide us with essential ecological services such as clean air, water, temperature regulation, and pollination. The ‘Status of Leopards, Co-predators and Megaherbivores-2018’ report further illuminates the importance of tiger conservation. It indicates that the conservation of tigers leads to the conservation of the entire ecosystem, reflected by a significant increase in the overall leopard population from 7,910 in 2014 to an estimated 12,852 in 2018.
Tiger Conservation Projects in India
India launched ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973 under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), establishing a network of tiger habitats in the country’s national parks. As recommended by the Tiger Task Force, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under the MoEFCC, was established in 2005 to oversee conservation efforts.
India’s Tiger Conservation Status
India is home to over 70% of the global tiger population. With 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states, the last tiger census of 2018 showcased an increase in the tiger population. Remarkably, India achieved the target of doubling its tiger population four years ahead of the St. Petersburg Declaration on tiger conservation’s schedule. Central to India’s strategy of tiger conservation is the involvement of local communities.
Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS)
The CA|TS, an accreditation tool agreed upon by the global coalition of Tiger Range Countries (TRCs), comprises a set of criteria that evaluate the effectiveness of management practices in promoting successful tiger conservation. It was officially launched in 2013, with the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) and World Wildlife Fund India serving as implementing partners of the National Tiger Conservation Authority for CATS assessment in India.
Accredited Tiger Reserves in India
Under the CA|TS, 14 Indian tiger reserves were recently accredited, including reserves in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These reserves represent significant strides forward in India’s commitment to protecting and boosting its tiger populations.
Article Source: PIB