Model Answer

Wildlife conservation involves protecting species and their natural habitats to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity. The planned rewilding of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan highlights India’s growing use of scientific interventions for species recovery.

Importance of Wildlife Conservation

1. Biodiversity protection prevents the extinction of threatened species. e.g: Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered.
2. Ecological balance is maintained through functioning food webs and ecosystems. e.g: Tiger conservation protects entire forest ecosystems.
3. Habitat conservation protects several species simultaneously. e.g: GIB conservation supports the Thar grassland ecosystem.
4. Ecosystem services such as pollination, water regulation and carbon storage support human well-being.
5. Economic benefits arise through nature-based tourism and local livelihoods. e.g: Tiger reserves support ecotourism.
6. Natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Major Challenges

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation reduce space available for wildlife.
2. Infrastructure development can disrupt important habitats. e.g: Power-line collisions threaten the Great Indian Bustard.
3. Human-wildlife conflict can create resistance to conservation.
4. Poaching and illegal trade continue to threaten several species.
5. Climate change alters habitats and species distribution.

Way Forward

1. Protect and restore wildlife habitats and ecological corridors.
2. Strengthen captive breeding and scientific reintroduction. e.g: Project GIB rewilding in Jaisalmer.
3. Use radio-tagging and other technologies for wildlife monitoring.
4. Involve local communities through conservation-linked livelihoods.

Wildlife conservation must move beyond protecting individual species towards conserving entire ecosystems. Combining habitat protection, scientific management and community participation can ensure long-term species recovery.