India’s wildlife conservation history is rich, extending from ancient times. Despite the challenges posed by industrialization and population growth, the past 120 years have been pivotal in safeguarding many of the country’s wildlife, plant species, and ecosystems. The rapid expansion of industries and urbanization during the last century led to significant environmental destruction, causing the extinction of numerous species. However, numerous conservation efforts have emerged in this period, helping to restore ecosystems and protect endangered species from human-induced extinction.
1904: The Role of Lady Curzon in Kaziranga’s Conservation
In 1904, the conservation journey of Kaziranga began when Lady Curzon, wife of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, visited the area. Kaziranga was renowned for its population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, but Lady Curzon was alarmed to find none during her visit. This sparked her advocacy for rhino conservation. She urged her husband to take action to protect the species, leading to the establishment of Kaziranga National Park. This move became a milestone in wildlife conservation, offering the highest protection to this vital ecosystem.
1905: Asiatic Lion Conservation in Gir
The Asiatic lion, once found across a vast region including Asia, North Africa, and possibly parts of Europe, saw its habitat shrinking by the late 19th century. By the 1900s, the last known population of these lions was confined to the Gir Forest in Gujarat, India. In response to the lions’ dwindling numbers due to hunting and poaching, the Nawab of Junagarh implemented a strict hunting ban in 1905. His decisive actions helped to protect the lions, and the population began to recover. By 1936, a census indicated an increase to 287 lions, a number that continued to grow post-independence through government protection initiatives.
1935: India’s First National Park: Hailey National Park
A landmark year in India’s conservation history came in 1935 with the declaration of the first national park, Hailey National Park, situated in the Kumaon and Garhwal Hills (present-day Uttarakhand). This park was created to protect the unique wildlife of the region and was named after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of the United Provinces. It was later renamed Corbett National Park in honor of Jim Corbett, a legendary figure in wildlife conservation known for his work in the area and his role in reducing human-animal conflict.
1952: Formation of the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL)
The need for a national body to advise the Indian government on wildlife and conservation matters led to the creation of the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) in 1952. Following independence, unchecked hunting and deforestation had left many species on the brink of extinction, prompting the formation of this committee. The IBWL helped guide wildlife policy, and over time, it was replaced by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, chaired by the Prime Minister.
1957: First Mammal Reintroduction in India
India’s first major mammal reintroduction project took place in 1957 when the Indian Board for Wildlife proposed the relocation of Asiatic lions from Gir to the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. Though the initial success was followed by challenges such as poaching, this early reintroduction effort laid the groundwork for future conservation programs in the country.
1963-65: Pioneering Wildlife Research by Dr. George Schaller in Kanha
In the 1960s, Dr. George Schaller, an eminent wildlife biologist, conducted the first in-depth wildlife study in India at Kanha National Park. His work on tiger behavior and conservation was groundbreaking and provided invaluable scientific insights. Schaller’s research was later published in the book The Deer and the Tiger, a seminal text for wildlife biologists and researchers.
1969: WWF India Office Established
Recognizing the need for an international conservation organization in India, the Indian government collaborated with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to open an office in 1969. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, WWF India’s office was inaugurated in Delhi, marking a significant step towards promoting wildlife conservation on a global scale within India.
1972: The Wildlife Protection Act and its Impact
The enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 was a critical turning point in Indian wildlife conservation. This law, which remains one of the strongest legal frameworks for wildlife protection worldwide, was introduced to safeguard India’s natural heritage from the growing threats of poaching, habitat loss, and exploitation. The Act provided a legal framework to protect India’s endangered species and their habitats.
1973: Launch of Project Tiger
Launched in 1973, Project Tiger was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at conserving the Bengal tiger. India’s tiger population had dwindled alarmingly, with just 1,800 tigers left in the wild. Through Project Tiger, India established 9 tiger reserves, a number that has since grown to over 50. Today, India holds approximately 75% of the world’s tiger population, thanks to the continued success of this project.
1985: UNESCO World Heritage Recognition for Three Parks
In 1985, Kaziranga, Manas, and Keoladeo Ghana National Parks were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This international acknowledgment highlighted the ecological importance of these parks and brought global attention to India’s conservation efforts. Today, India boasts eight natural world heritage sites, with several more in the tentative list.
2005: Indian Rhino Vision 2020
In response to the declining population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 program was launched in 2005. Its aim was to increase the rhino population in Assam’s seven protected areas to 3,000 by 2020. The program was successful in achieving its target, contributing significantly to the recovery of this endangered species in the region.
2009: Project Snow Leopard Launched
Recognizing the vulnerability of the snow leopard in India’s high-altitude Himalayan regions, the government launched Project Snow Leopard in 2009. This initiative aims to protect snow leopards and their fragile ecosystems through conservation strategies and local community involvement.
2008: The First All India Tiger Census Using Camera Traps
India’s first all-India tiger census using camera traps, conducted in 2008, revealed the alarming decline of tigers in the country. With poaching on the rise, India took immediate action to bolster protection for its tiger reserves, and the census methodology was refined for more accurate data. This comprehensive survey eventually helped to stabilize tiger numbers.
2023: Tiger Census Report – A Success Story
In 2023, the latest tiger census report revealed a significant rise in India’s tiger population, with an estimated 3,682 tigers, accounting for over 75% of the global population. This was a remarkable achievement, reflecting the success of Project Tiger and other conservation efforts over the years.
These milestones represent just a fraction of India’s long-standing and successful commitment to wildlife conservation. In future blogs, we will continue to explore the many other important efforts and achievements that contribute to the protection of India’s rich biodiversity.
