Wildlife Conservation in India – Progress and Challenges

India’s wildlife conservation efforts have seen remarkable progress in recent years. Forest cover and protected areas have expanded steadily. Iconic species like tigers, lions, and snow leopards have shown population growth. Innovative projects and legislative reforms have strengthened biodiversity protection. However, climate change remains a pressing threat to habitats and species.

Forest and Green Cover Expansion

India’s forest and tree cover increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021. The total green cover now stands at 25.17% of the land area. India ranks third globally for annual forest area gain, adding 266,000 hectares yearly from 2010 to 2020. The country holds 72.16 lakh hectares of forest, placing it among the top ten worldwide. This growth reflects successful afforestation and habitat restoration efforts.

Protected Areas and Legal Framework

India maintains 1,022 protected areas covering 178,640 sq km or 5.43% of its territory. These include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves. Since 2014, 37 new national parks and sanctuaries were added. Community reserves grew from 115 to 343. The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 enhanced species classification and included local gram sabha participation in management. The National Biodiversity Action Plan emphasises local involvement in conservation.

Recovery of Iconic Species

The tiger population increased by over 30% in the last decade to 3,682 individuals, hosting 70% of the global wild tiger population. The Asiatic lion population rose by 32% to 891 in 2025. Leopards number 13,874, while India is home to 718 snow leopards in the Himalayan region. Project Snow Leopard promotes community-based conservation. Project Cheetah reintroduced cheetahs after extinction in 1952 through intercontinental translocation from Africa.

Specialised Conservation Initiatives

Project Dolphin conducted the first comprehensive river dolphin survey across eight states, estimating 6,327 dolphins in India’s major river systems. Satellite tagging of Ganges river dolphins began in Assam to improve ecological understanding. India expanded Ramsar wetlands from 26 to 91 sites by 2025, covering 1.35 million hectares, making it Asia’s leader in wetland conservation.

Green Infrastructure for Wildlife Protection

Road upgrades like NH-44 through Pench Tiger Reserve introduced wildlife underpasses and overpasses, increasing animal crossings by 240%. The Samruddhi Expressway incorporates wildlife bridges and underpasses, designed with expert consultation. The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway features Asia’s longest wildlife corridor of 14 km through Rajaji National Park. These projects integrate biodiversity safeguards into transport infrastructure.

Challenges Ahead – Climate Crisis and Habitat Threats

Despite gains, climate change threatens wildlife habitats through temperature rise and altered rainfall patterns. Sustained efforts and innovative strategies are needed to adapt conservation to these challenges. The foundation built over the past decade offers a platform for future resilience.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of community participation in India’s wildlife conservation efforts with suitable examples.
2. Explain the significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 in strengthening biodiversity governance and its impact on protected area management.
3. What are the challenges posed by infrastructure development to wildlife corridors? How can green infrastructure mitigate these challenges?
4. Comment on the importance of wetland conservation in India. What role do Ramsar sites play in ecological balance and biodiversity preservation?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of community participation in India’s wildlife conservation efforts with suitable examples.

1. Community reserves increased from 115 (2014) to 343 (2024), showing growing local involvement.
2. Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 mandates gram sabha consultations in sanctuary management.
3. Project Snow Leopard engages local communities for conservation in Himalayan ecosystems.
4. National Biodiversity Action Plan emphasises local participation to ensure sustainable conservation.
5. Community involvement enhances monitoring, reduces human-wildlife conflict, and supports habitat protection.
6. Challenges include balancing livelihood needs and conservation priorities at the grassroots level.

2. Explain the significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 in strengthening biodiversity governance and its impact on protected area management.

1. Implemented CITES obligations to regulate trade in endangered species.
2. Rationalised species classification for better protection prioritisation.
3. Introduced gram sabha participation, decentralising sanctuary governance and enhancing local accountability.
4. Improved legal framework to address emerging conservation challenges effectively.
5. Facilitated better integration of conservation with community rights and biodiversity goals.
6. Strengthened enforcement and management protocols in protected areas.

3. What are the challenges posed by infrastructure development to wildlife corridors? How can green infrastructure mitigate these challenges?

1. Infrastructure like highways and railways fragment habitats, disrupting animal movement and gene flow.
2. Increased wildlife mortality due to vehicle collisions and habitat encroachment.
3. Noise and light pollution from roads affect animal behavior and breeding.
4. Green infrastructure (underpasses, overpasses, elevated corridors) facilitates safe wildlife crossings.
5. Examples – NH-44 upgrade with nine underpasses increased crossings by 240%; Delhi–Dehradun Expressway’s 14 km corridor.
6. Consultation with wildlife experts ensures effective design and monitoring of green infrastructure.

4. Comment on the importance of wetland conservation in India. What role do Ramsar sites play in ecological balance and biodiversity preservation?

1. Wetlands support rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Ganges river dolphin.
2. India expanded Ramsar sites from 26 (2014) to 91 (2025), covering 1.35 million hectares, leading Asia in wetland conservation.
3. Ramsar designation ensures international recognition and commitment to sustainable wetland management.
4. Wetlands regulate water cycles, prevent floods, and maintain water quality, crucial for ecological balance.
5. They serve as breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds and aquatic species.
6. Ramsar sites promote community awareness and eco-tourism, supporting local livelihoods and conservation.