Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation project initiated by the Government of India in 1973. The main objective of the project is to protect and conserve the Bengal tiger, which is an endangered species in India.
There are several factors that have led to the decline in the tiger population in India. One of the main reasons is habitat loss due to the expansion of human settlements and industrialization. Poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts is another major threat to the survival of tigers in India.
To address these issues, the Government of India launched Project Tiger in 1973. Under this project, several measures have been taken to protect and conserve tigers in India. These measures include the creation of tiger reserves, protection of habitats, and anti-poaching measures.
One of the main achievements of Project Tiger has been the creation of tiger reserves in India. These reserves are protected areas where tigers can roam freely and reproduce without any disturbance. As of 2021, there are 50 tiger reserves in India, covering an area of around 37,761 square kilometers. These reserves are home to around 75% of the total tiger population in India.
In addition to the creation of tiger reserves, Project Tiger has also implemented various measures to protect the habitats of tigers. This includes the protection of forests and other ecosystems where tigers live, as well as the conservation of prey species such as deer and wild boar, which are essential for the survival of tigers.
Project Tiger has also taken several measures to combat poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts. This includes the deployment of anti-poaching units, the use of modern technologies such as drones and camera traps, and the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.
Overall, Project Tiger has been successful in increasing the tiger population in India. According to the latest tiger census, the tiger population in India has increased from 1,411 in 2006 to 2,967 in 2021. While there is still a long way to go in terms of fully protecting and conserving tigers in India, Project Tiger has made significant progress in achieving this goal.