Growth in India’s Tiger population

News: Recently, a study has revealed that India’s tiger population has grown by 30% in the last 20 years.

Findings of the study

Findings of the study has highlighted that there are various reasons due to which this growth has been seen such as:

• Effective Conservation Strategies: India has implemented a balanced approach combining land-sharing (where tigers coexist with humans) and land-sparing (protected areas without human interference).
  • 85% of breeding tigers are found in these protected areas, which serve as safe zones for tiger reproduction.
• Legislative Protection: Strong laws have played a key role, including:
  • Wildlife Protection Act – Ensures legal protection for tigers.
  • Forest Conservation Act – Prevents destruction of tiger habitats.
  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) – A dedicated body overseeing conservation efforts.
• Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors
  • Regions with better economic conditions and lower dependence on forests have seen higher tiger recolonization.
  • However, poverty, armed conflict (e.g., in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand), and habitat destruction have caused a decline in tiger populations in certain areas.

Future Challenges and Recommendations

• Expanding Protected Areas and Corridors: 157,000 sq km of potential tiger habitat remains unoccupied due to habitat destruction and socio-political instability. Increasing protected areas and creating habitat corridors can help tigers move safely across regions.
• Strengthening Anti-Poaching Efforts: Increased surveillance and law enforcement can help prevent illegal hunting of tigers.
• Sustainable Livelihoods for Communities: Providing alternative income sources to people living near tiger habitats can reduce dependence on forests, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts.
• Improving Human-Tiger Conflict Management: Early warning systems and rapid response teams can help prevent conflicts between tigers and humans, ensuring safety for both.