6-January-2024-Special-Article

REVIVAL OF THE TIGER: A JOINT EFFORT, A CULTURAL RENAISSANCE

The revival of India’s tiger population, particularly at Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), stands as a beacon in the country’s conservation narrative. From near-extinction in 1973, the tiger population has rebounded, marking a pivotal moment in India’s conservation history.           Corbett Tiger Reserve: A Conservation Success Story

Historical Background:

• India’s rich history of forest and wildlife conservation laid the foundation for tiger reserves.
• The management at CTR follows the Tiger Conservation Plan, encompassing core and buffer zones.

Conservation Achievements:

• In 2018, CTR recorded 231 tigers.
• 2022 report indicates a remarkable increase, boasting the highest density of wild tigers globally, reaching 260.

Ecological Significance:

• CTR’s rich biodiversity attracts various enthusiasts, contributing to its ecological vitality.
• The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, providing an eco-spiritual experience.

Unsung Heroes: Forest Staff and Stewardship

Forest Staff’s Role:

• The unsung heroes include foot-soldiers, mahouts, and forest guards.
• Their dedication and keen instincts play a pivotal role in the protection and management of the reserve.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Patrolling poses risks, often encountering tigers, elephants, and other challenges.
• Recent measures include timely wages, regular rations, weapons, and medical support for staff safety.

Integrated Approach:

• A healthy forest ecosystem requires a balanced approach to flora and fauna.
• Grassland and water management are vital for the breeding of prey species, ensuring the apex predator’s sustenance.

Wildlife Corridors and Human-Wildlife Conflict

Corridor Importance:

• Strategic wildlife corridors facilitate gene pool exchange for tigers and elephants.
• Crucial for reducing inbreeding and ensuring the sustainable movement of these animals.

Human-Wildlife Conflict:

• Rising conflicts due to tiger attacks on village women pose challenges.
• Proper urban planning, underpasses, overbridges, and elevated roads are essential for seamless wildlife movement.

Steps Against Conflict:

• The forest department takes robust measures against poaching.
• Intensive patrolling, including digital patrolling through the E-eye project, ensures enhanced protection.

Community Engagement for Conservation

Villager Dependence:

• Villages around the reserve, like Ramnagar, rely on the tiger for their economy through ecotourism.
• Paradoxically, their lives are impacted by wildlife, leading to a need for collaboration.

Community Initiatives:

• Public initiatives involve community projects like beehive fencing to protect crops against elephants.
• The “Living with Tigers” initiative fosters awareness among villagers and school children, promoting coexistence.

Cultural Renaissance:

• Tigers hold cultural, religious, and mythological significance in India.
• The tiger’s revival represents not just an ecological success but a cultural renaissance, reviving conservation ethics and values.

Conclusion:

Corbett Tiger Reserve’s success story is not just about the revival of a species but the symbiotic relationship between wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to conservation, emphasizing community engagement, ecological balance, and sustainable practices. The future of CTR, entwined with its wildlife and people, requires a collaborative effort, recognizing the intricate interdependence of all stakeholders.

Mains Question:

1. Analyze the measures and actions that have played a role in the effective conservation endeavors at Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in India. (150 WORDS)