Tiger conservation model must be science-based, says Minister, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The sixth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation has been officially launched, with ground surveys commencing last month.
• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized science-based management and international collaboration for India’s conservation model.
• A specialized project, ‘Management of Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves,’ was launched to address human-wildlife conflict.
• The Steering Committee reviewed the status of the All-India Synchronized Elephant Estimation and DNA profiling for captive elephants.
• The Centre has sought a report on the death of elephants in a train collision in Assam’s Hojai district.
• 1,100 elephant accident zones have been identified nationwide to prevent human-elephant conflict.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting addressed critical issues such as staff shortages, financial constraints, and the management of invasive species threatening natural habitats.
• Discussions focused on the Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and the Ripu-Chirang Elephant Reserve, with emphasis on evaluating elephant corridors and conflict hotspots.
• The three-pronged strategy to address human-wildlife conflict includes habitat improvement, community participation, and technological interventions.
• Recent delegations from South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana involved in the cheetah reintroduction program highlight international collaboration efforts.
• Railway authorities are directed to collaborate with state forest departments on elephant movement along tracks to prevent train collisions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority): A statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change responsible for tiger conservation.
• Project Elephant: A conservation initiative launched in 1992 to protect elephants, their habitats, and migration corridors.
• Human-wildlife conflict: Interaction between humans and wild animals that results in negative impacts on people or animals.