Tiger Reserves Need Priority Intervention 

Context

The government has identified 25 out of 58 tiger reserves requiring urgent conservation measures due to critically low or absent tiger populations.

Key Highlights

• Priority reserves require habitat restoration and scientific management.
• Habitat fragmentation and poor connectivity are major concerns.
• Community participation and science-based tiger reintroduction are being emphasised.
• Sariska has completed 18 years since tiger reintroduction began.

Way Forward

• Improve habitat connectivity through wildlife corridors.
• Strengthen prey base and anti-poaching measures.
• Promote local community participation in conservation.
• Use scientific monitoring for long-term population recovery.

Facts : 

Project Tiger (1973): India’s flagship tiger conservation programme.

NTCA: Statutory authority responsible for tiger conservation and All India Tiger Estimation.

Tiger Reserve: Protected area comprising core and buffer zones.

Keystone Species: Species that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.