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Authors

Dikshu C. Kukreja
Dikshu C. Kukreja
Mr. V. Raman Kumar
Mr. V. Raman Kumar
Ms. Chandra Ganjoo
Ms. Chandra Ganjoo
Sanjay Bhatia
Sanjay Bhatia
Aprameya Radhakrishna
Aprameya Radhakrishna
Colin Shah
Colin Shah
Shri P.R. Aqeel Ahmed
Shri P.R. Aqeel Ahmed
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar
Alok Kirloskar
Alok Kirloskar
Pragati Khare
Pragati Khare
Devang Mody
Devang Mody
Vinay Kalantri
Vinay Kalantri

Wildlife Conservation Success Stories: India's Efforts in Protecting Endangered Species

Wildlife Conservation Success Stories: India's Efforts in Protecting Endangered Species

India, a country known for its rich culture and history, is among the most biodiverse countries in the world. Its landscapes range from the snow-covered Himalayas to dense rainforests of Western ghats, from the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the Sundarbans’ green mangroves. India’s ecosystems support an incredible variety of flora and fauna so much so that it is one of the seventeen megadiverse countries worldwide, hosting 7-8% of all recorded species, even though it has only 2.4% of the world’s landmass. However, this exceptional biodiversity faces constant risks. Rapid industrialisation process, urbanisation and population growth have resulted in habitat loss at significant levels, with pollution and human-wildlife conflicts on the rise.

In India, wildlife conservation is not only considered for animals but is also a part of broader developmental objectives. For instance, the preservation of healthy ecosystems with high levels of diversification is key to maintaining balance in nature by securing clean air and water supplies, ensuring crop pollination, and making the environment resilient to climate change. These includes preserving overall bio-resiliency against global warming effects. Moreover, millions of people, especially those living near forests in rural areas, partly rely on wildlife conservation activities for their livelihoods to be sustainable.

Different projects

  • Project Tiger: A pioneering initiative
    The launch of this scheme in 1973 has raised India’s global status in terms of species conservation. At first, the initiative was geared towards the protection of the vulnerable tiger population. Over time, it has preserved more areas where tigers live, made local community groups aware about them and introduced strict measures to fight against poaching and illegal trade in parts from tigers. In 2006, India's tiger population hit a low of 1,411 tigers. However, by 2022, India houses more than 70% of the global wild tiger population, with a total of 3,167 tigers, showcasing the success of conservation efforts in safeguarding this rare species over the years.
  • Lion, Gir National Park, Gujarat
    The protected area of Gir National Park of Gujarat covers an area of 1,412 square kilometres and is a standard-bearer for the conservation of the Asiatic lions in India. Due to hunting and encroachment, the lion population in India had dropped to just 20 in 1913. The Indian Forest department stepped in with a wildlife conservation programme in 1965 and made Gir a sanctuary of wildlife area. This species has been safe guarded today, with the help of participation of locals and an elaborate rescue operation by the forest department. It is indeed a roaring success as of 2022, which recorded a total of 674 big cats wandering freely in this park.
  • Protection of the One-Horned Rhinoceros
    The World Wildlife Fund highlights the revival of the greater one-horned rhinoceros as a leading example of successful conservation efforts in Asia. This recovery has been significantly supported by Kaziranga National Park. Historically, rhino population in this area were reduced by poaching, habitat loss, and annual floods. In 2019, the Special Rhino Protection Force was established to combat rhino poaching within the park.
    Several measures have been implemented to rehabilitate rhinos. The results of the various measure have been promising as according to the 2022 census, there were 26 more rhinos in the park than in 2021, with no recorded cases of poaching across Assam state during this period.
  • Conservation of Elephants
    In 1992, the Indian authorities-initiated project elephant which aimed at protecting elephants, their habitats, and migratory corridors, mitigating conflict between people and elephants as well as providing appropriate treatment for injured animals. This is done to ensure their long-term survival, as they are an endangered species. As per a census report of 2018, India had around 26,786 elephants. By 2022, Indian became home to over 60% of the global population of wild Asian elephants with a count of 29,964.

Steps taken to conserve wildlife

  • Budget Allocation 2024-25
    The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been allocated Rs. 3,330.37 crore (US$ 400.1 million) in the budget for fiscal year 2024-25, compared to Rs. 3,231.02 crore (US$ 388.2 million) in the previous year. The National Tiger Conservation Authority’s budget increased by over two-fold from Rs. 15.8 crore (US$ 1.90 million) in 2022-23 to Rs. 35 crore (US$ 4.21 million) in 2023-24. In addition, the Central Zoo Authority’s budget rose from Rs. 9.9 crore (US$ 1.19 million) to Rs. 12 crore (US$ 1.44 million), and the National Biodiversity Authority experienced an increase in its budget from Rs. 14 crore (US$ 1.69 million) to Rs. 16 crore (US$ 1.92 million).
  • Role of Local Communities
    The presence of local communities has influenced the conservation of endangered species and their habitats in India. These communities play a significant role in shielding endangered species from hunting, while protecting the places these animals live. It is important to note that this participation does not just end at protection alone but also involves wildlife monitoring activities as well as reporting illegal cases; thus, they form an integral part of Indian conservation achievements.
  • Eco-tourism
    India has realized that eco-tourism can help to preserve wildlife while at the same time bringing tangible benefits to its population through sustainable use of natural resources. According to Allied Market Research, ecotourism market in India was valued at US$ 2.24 billion in 2019 and it is expected to reach US$ 4.55 billion by 2027, thereby registering a CAGR of 15.7%. India will be one of the leading markets likely to witness a surge in eco-friendly accommodation after COVID-19 pandemic, as projected by industry experts. Several factors are responsible for this consistent growth trajectory in the Indian ecotourism sector among which are increased travel and tourism to remote destinations, preference for wildlife safaris, coral reef diving and other pristine undisturbed natural areas emphasizing sustainability.

Navigating the challenges

  • Habitat Fragmentation
    With rapid urbanisation and an increased human population, wildlife habitats are becoming smaller and more isolated. India has been actively creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats. These corridors allow animals to migrate safely between different areas, reducing the effects of habitat fragmentation. For instance, the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an important corridor for tigers and elephants.
  • Human-wildlife Conflict
    Elephants, leopards, and tigers tend to encounter people while crossing areas where agriculture is practiced or neighbourhoods, leading to crop depredation, cattle losses and even the death of humans. Thus, local communities develop negative attitudes towards wildlife, further complicating conservation work in the area. To overcome this challenge the government has implemented compensation schemes for farmers and communities affected by wildlife activities. For example, the Madhya Pradesh government offers compensation for crop damage caused by elephants.
  • Climate Change
    The impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt across India’s ecosystems. Changing weather patterns, including increased temperatures and variable rainfall amounts, have affected food availability for many organisms that inhabit this region of the country. India is integrating climate resilience into its conservation plans by identifying and protecting climate refugia—areas that are expected to be less affected by climate change and can serve as safe havens for species.
  • Illegal Poaching and Wildlife Trade
    The demand for animal parts, including tiger skins, rhino horns and elephant tusks, has contributed to this black market, putting threatened and endangered species under more pressure while hampering conservation efforts. India has strengthened its enforcement mechanisms by increasing the number of anti-poaching units and enhancing surveillance in protected areas. The use of Special Rhino Protection Forces in Kaziranga National Park is one example of such efforts.

Conclusion

India’s biodiversity is protected in a number of different ways, including innovative conservation measures, government action and community participation. Such practices are aimed at conserving the country’s unique ecosystems. For instance, habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, climate change and illegal poaching are among the challenges that need to be mitigated. This results in protection of rare species such as tigers, Asiatic lions and one-horned rhinos while also ensuring that future generations have a sustainable and balanced environment. Consequently, it has led to an increase in the level of environmental awareness among individuals with regards to India’s fragile landscapes.

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