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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
