Nature has always supported human flourishing, and it is important for us to reciprocate. We must ask ourselves if we care about nature and if saving wildlife and taking action to protect endangered species is significant to us. If it is, then we should join Indian wildlife organizations in their effort to preserve our planet.
The government of India has initiated nature projects and programs such as Project Tiger, Nature Camps, and Jungle Lodges. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about wildlife among the general public. In addition to conserving our natural heritage, these projects also promote eco-tourism. Wildlife conservation holds great importance as the wild creatures contribute to the beauty of nature through their unique existence. However, with increasing deforestation and negligence, there is a risk to wildlife. Therefore, special attention is needed to prevent the loss of our green heritage and protect the world.
Some government initiatives aimed at preserving India’s natural heritage include Project Tiger, which has been highly successful in protecting the Tiger population. The Gir National Park in Gujarat is the sole remaining habitat for the almost extinct Asiatic Lions in India. The Kaziranga Sanctuary in Assam is an excellent example of efforts to rescue the endangered Rhinoceros. Similarly, Periyar in Kerala is actively engaged in preserving the wild Elephants, while Dachigam National Park is dedicated to saving the Hangul or Kashmiri Stag.
The creation of Project Tiger in 1972 was a response to concerns expressed at the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) General Assembly meeting in Delhi in 1969. During these discussions, the threats faced by various wildlife species and the diminishing wilderness in India were highlighted. Consequently, tiger hunting was banned nationwide in 1970, followed by the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972. The main goal was to establish a framework for tiger conservation based on ecological principles. Thus, Project Tiger emerged as a substantial initiative dedicated to safeguarding tigers and preserving their habitats.
Project Tiger, which was launched on April 1, 1973, is regarded as a remarkably successful conservation initiative. The primary objective of this project is to safeguard tigers in specific ‘tiger reserves’ that represent various bio-geographical regions of India and ensure the maintenance of a sustainable population within their natural habitat. Originally commencing with 9 reserves, the project has expanded to encompass 27 by 2003. At present, there are a total of 39 wildlife reserves under Project Tiger in India, covering an area exceeding 37,761 km?.
Project Tiger’s objective is to eradicate human activity in core zones and reduce it in buffer zones. It also seeks to evaluate and restore the ecological damage caused by humans, observe alterations, and investigate their origins. Furthermore, the project has recently included new locations, while efforts are being made to establish wireless communication systems for anti-poaching measures.
Positive effects have been shown through steps such as moving villages outside of the core area, regulating livestock grazing in tiger reserves, and conducting research on environmental changes. In the early 1900s, India had approximately 40,000 tigers. However, a tiger census carried out in 2008 revealed that only 1411 tigers were left. The decline in suitable tiger habitats occurred due to various pressures experienced in the latter half of the 20th century.
