The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is embarking on a strategic initiative to examine tiger habitats in high-altitude ecosystems. Joined by the governments of India, Bhutan, and Nepal and supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), this multi-faceted project aims to cultivate a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding high-altitude tiger conservation.
Understanding High-Altitude Tiger Habitats
A primary objective of this project is to gain valuable insights into the state of high-altitude habitats within the tiger’s range. Up until now, these habitats have largely remained unexplored, providing minimal empirical data on tiger presence, prey availability, and habitat conditions. This lack of understanding has created a noticeable gap in the world of tiger conservation, a gap that this study aims to close.
Report Findings and Future Actions
The initial report issued by this study has identified feasible habitats, potential corridor linkages for tiger mobility, anthropogenic pressures, and relevant landscape-level changes. Excitingly, the gathered data is helping conservationists develop a robust, in-situ conservation roadmap. It also offers an action strategy for a high-altitude tiger master plan, centered on benefiting local communities and putting tiger conservation at the heart of future development efforts. Crucially, the Indian Government will utilize this study’s findings to formulate its own high-altitude tiger master plan.
Protecting High-Altitude Ecosystems
As highlighted in the report, the protection of high-altitude tiger habitats will require sustainable land use strategies. These habitats are vital ecosystems, home to important hydrological and ecological processes, and provide invaluable ecosystem services. In addition, efforts must be made to devise effective adaptation strategies to manage and alleviate the impacts of climate change on these delicate ecosystems.
Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program
Launched in 2014, the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program (ITHCP) is a strategic funding mechanism that has already facilitated 12 projects in six countries. These projects, spread across key locations in Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Myanmar, aim to conserve tigers and their habitats and support local human populations.
| Country | Number of Projects |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 2 |
| Bhutan | 2 |
| India | 3 |
| Indonesia | 2 |
| Nepal | 2 |
| Myanmar | 1 |
Global Tiger Forum: A Global Effort to Save the Tiger
The GTF, formed in 1993 following recommendations from an international symposium on tiger conservation, is the only inter-governmental international body committed to protecting tigers. Based in New Delhi, India, the GTF provides a platform for member countries to collaborate on global campaigns aimed at protecting this majestic species. It continues to play a pivotal role in the Global Tiger Recovery Programme, a worldwide initiative seeking to double the number of tigers in the wild by 2022.
