Govt To Monitor Tigers Outside Reserves

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is set to launch the ‘Tigers outside Tiger Reserves’ project to better manage nearly 30% of India’s tigers that live outside notified reserves.

The project, with a budget of Rs 176.45 crore until 2026-27, aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and combat poaching.

Key Features of the Project

Tigers

Implementation: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will oversee the project.
Funding: The ministry is seeking funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), which supports afforestation and wildlife conservation.
Based on tiger movement patterns and conflict trends, 80 forest divisions have been identified across 10 states for initial rollout.

Objectives of the Project

Conflict Mitigation: Improve response mechanisms to human-tiger conflicts in high-risk areas like Wayanad (Kerala), Chandrapur (Maharashtra), and Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh).
Enhanced Monitoring & Anti-Poaching Measures: Strengthen surveillance outside tiger reserves to prevent poaching.
Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation: Addressing recurring conflicts between tigers and humans.
Community Engagement: Work with local communities to implement conservation-friendly livelihood programs.
Habitat Improvement & Capacity Building: Enhance natural habitats and train forest officials for better wildlife management.

The Growing Challenge of Human-Tiger Conflict

30% of India’s estimated 3,682 tigers live outside notified reserves.
High-risk areas: Wayanad (Kerala), Chandrapur (Maharashtra), and Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh).
Human casualties: 378 deaths due to tiger conflict (2020-2024), with Maharashtra reporting the highest (218 deaths).
Impact on other wildlife: Displaced tigers force leopards and other predators closer to human settlements.

About Tiger

Tigers are the largest wild cat species in the world.
Scientific name: Panthera tigris
Conservation status IUCN: Endangered
Significance: They are apex predators and play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Habitat Requirements: Tigers are “landscape” species.
- They need vast areas with diverse habitats.
  - These areas must be free from human disturbance and rich in prey to support tigers.
  - These areas, called tiger landscapes, are crucial for biodiversity and the well-being of human communities living nearby.

Conclusion

This initiative aims to strengthen conservation efforts beyond traditional tiger reserves, ensuring better protection for both tigers and human communities. The project’s success will depend on effective monitoring, local engagement, and sustainable funding.

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