Top 5 Wildlife Conservation Schemes of India

1. Project Tiger

 – Launched: 1973 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

   – Objective: To conserve India’s national animal, the Bengal tiger, through a dedicated conservation effort across 51 tiger reserves in 18 states.

 – Key Measures: Habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, scientific research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and monitoring of tiger populations.

   – Impact: The tiger population has increased significantly, from about 1,411 tigers in 2006 to around 2,603–3,346 by 2018.

   – Sanctuaries Involved: Includes some of India’s major tiger reserves like Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and Sundarbans.

2. Project Elephant

   – Launched: 1992 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests

   – Objective: To conserve wild Asian elephants, their habitats, and migration corridors across India.

 – Key Measures: Creation of elephant reserves, improved veterinary care, habitat restoration, and reducing human-elephant conflicts.

   – Impact: The project has improved the conservation status of elephants, with about 60% of the global population residing in India.

   – Sanctuaries Involved: Includes reserves like Periyar, Kaziranga, and Assam’s Elephant Reserves.

3. Project Snow Leopard

   – Launched: 2009

   – Objective: To conserve snow leopards and their high-altitude Himalayan habitats across several states.

   – Key Measures: Protecting high-altitude ecosystems, reducing human-wildlife conflicts, and encouraging research into snow leopard ecology.

   – Impact: Snow leopard populations are carefully monitored, and strategies are being developed to improve habitat conditions and mitigate threats.

   – Sanctuaries Involved: Hemis National Park, Great Himalayan National Park, and Khangchendzonga National Park.

4. Project Hangul

   – Launched: 1970s, with support from IUCN and WWF

   – Objective: To protect and conserve the critically endangered Hangul (Kashmir stag) population in Jammu and Kashmir.

   – Key Measures: Habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and reducing human disturbances.

   – Impact: Despite a steep decline in the population, conservation efforts have shown signs of positive outcomes in certain areas.

   – Sanctuaries Involved: Primarily Dachigam National Park, which is home to the remaining Hangul population.

5. Biosphere Reserves

   – Launched: Ongoing

   – Objective: To conserve biodiversity and integrate the sustainable development of ecosystems and communities.

   – Key Measures: Conservation of both flora and fauna within specific regions, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

   – Impact: India has established several biosphere reserves, such as Sunderbans, Nilgiri, and Nanda Devi, which protect a variety of endangered species.

   – Sanctuaries Involved: Includes a network of protected areas spread across India, aimed at preserving unique ecosystems and species.