In recent news, the Rajasthan government revealed its plans to develop a Tiger Corridor. The corridor is set to connect the newly proposed ‘Ramgarh Tiger Reserve’, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. Other than these, another significant Tiger reserve in the state is the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Understanding the Purpose and Types of Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife or animal corridors are integral to providing safe passage for animals between two isolated habitats, essentially creating a safe pathway for their movement. These corridors can be bifurcated into two categories: functional and structural.
Functional corridors are defined by their role from the perspective of the animal. They relate to areas where there has been observed and recorded movement of wildlife. On the other hand, structural corridors refer to unbroken strips of forested areas that connect fragmented blocks of the landscape.
When these structural corridors get affected due to human activities, the extent of functional corridors automatically broadens due to increased animal use.
Pioneering Moves for Tiger Conservation
In 2019, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, in association with the Wildlife Institute of India, unveiled a comprehensive document. This publication detailed 32 major corridors throughout the country, the management interventions for which were operational through a Tiger Conservation Plan.
According to section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, states are obligated to submit a Tiger Conservation Plan.
Exploring Other Protected Areas in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is home to other protected areas including the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary in Udaipur and the National Chambal Sanctuary—which lies on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
The Protection Status of Tigers
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, enlists the tiger under Schedule I. Additionally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes it as Endangered. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), it is mentioned under Appendix I.
About Project Tiger
Project Tiger is a key initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, launched back in 1973. It aims to provide central assistance to tiger states, promoting tiger conservation in specifically designated tiger reserves across India. The project is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The Role and Establishment of NTCA
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Established in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force, the body was set up under the enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This establishment took place after modifications were implemented to the act in 2006 with the aim of strengthening tiger conservation, aligning with the powers and functions assigned to the authority.
