Can wildlife thrive in India without active human intervention?, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• A three-year-old tigress was released into the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, initiating a phased reintroduction program for tigers.
• This follows the reintroduction of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh in 2022 under Project Cheetah.
• The article discusses the necessity of active human intervention for wildlife to thrive in India.
• India's conservation history has evolved through pre-British, colonial, and post-independence phases, impacting current approaches.
• Conservation efforts often prioritize flagship species like the tiger, which attract significant public and political attention and funding.
• Interventionist conservation, including reintroductions and captive breeding, is increasingly considered essential due to human-induced alterations to natural systems.

Tiger Conservation.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• India's relationship with nature transformed from an agrarian, forest-integrated economy to one marked by colonial exploitation and post-independence challenges.
• Biodiversity conservation is not exclusive to wealthy nations, with examples like Costa Rica demonstrating its potential to generate revenue through eco-tourism.
• The focus on flagship species like the tiger helps secure funding and attention for broader ecosystem protection, benefiting other species within those habitats.
• Active management is crucial as human activities have significantly altered natural systems, necessitating interventions like reintroductions and habitat restoration.
• India faces a substantial annual conservation funding gap, spending ₹3,500 crore against an estimated requirement of ₹9,500–₹10,000 crore.
• Conservation models must adapt to diverse ecosystems, moving beyond fenced enclosures to landscape-level protection, particularly for species like the Great Indian Bustard.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is primarily punitive, often hindering scientific research and disproportionately affecting researchers without institutional support.
• Successful conservation requires integrating local communities and their needs, rather than alienating them from protected areas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Flagship Species: A species chosen to represent an environmental cause, often due to its charisma, to attract public support and funding.
• Project Cheetah: An initiative launched in 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs to India, aiming to establish a viable, self-sustaining population.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: India's principal legislation for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto.
• Interventionist Conservation: Active human management strategies such as reintroduction, captive breeding, and habitat restoration to prevent species extinction.