A study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has raised concern over prey species like chital, sambar, and Indian bison.

Tiger conservation in India

• Status of Tiger Population 
• • In 2006, India’s tiger population dropped to an all-time low of about 1,400.
  • Efforts in wildlife conservation helped the population recover to over 3,600 tigers by 2023.
  • However, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha saw a decline in tiger numbers.

Key findings of the study

• Tiger Recovery with Uneven Gains: India’s overall tiger numbers have increased, but certain regions (e.g., Simlipal, Palamau, Udanti-Sitanadi, Guru Ghasidas) have witnessed a decline in tiger populations.
• Prey Base Decline: The herbivore population (chital, sambar, Indian bison), crucial for tiger survival, is falling in these regions.
  • Lack of prey forces tigers to move out of reserves, increasing human-wildlife conflict.
• Socioeconomic Link to Poaching: The affected reserves are in poor districts, where bush meat consumption is common due to poverty
• Short-term and Long-term Solutions
  • Short-term: On-site breeding of prey species in predator-free enclosures (not ideal due to weak survival instincts in herbivores).
  • Long-term: Focus on habitat improvement, community involvement, and poverty alleviation to ensure sustainable tiger conservation.

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