Tiger Reserves
1. Meaning and background
Tiger reserves are designated areas for conserving tigers, their prey, and their habitats. In India, they are established under the framework of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended to strengthen tiger conservation.
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect India's tiger population and habitats.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the statutory body responsible for overseeing tiger conservation.
Structure of a tiger reserve
Core or critical tiger habitat
Areas managed for the highest level of tiger conservation, with restrictions on activities as prescribed by law.
Buffer or peripheral area
Surrounding areas that support wildlife, reduce pressure on core habitats, and can accommodate compatible livelihood and conservation activities.
Major tiger reserves in India
Tiger reserve | State |
|---|---|
Jim Corbett | Uttarakhand |
Ranthambore | Rajasthan |
Kanha | Madhya Pradesh |
Bandhavgarh | Madhya Pradesh |
Sundarbans | West Bengal |
Bandipur | Karnataka |
Periyar | Kerala |
Kaziranga | Assam |
Tadoba-Andhari | Maharashtra |
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
Administrative boundaries and reserve configurations may change; verify the current official list for examination updates.
Importance of tiger reserves
Protect an umbrella species and its habitat.
Conserve prey species and overall biodiversity.
Maintain food chains and ecological balance.
Protect forests, watersheds and carbon stocks.
Promote wildlife corridors and landscape-level conservation.
Key pointers for UPSC
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973.
NTCA: Statutory authority under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Tiger census: Uses camera traps, field signs, habitat assessment and other scientific methods.
Tiger corridors: Allow movement between fragmented habitats and help maintain genetic exchange.
M-STrIPES: Monitoring System for Tigers—Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.
The Global Tiger Forum is an intergovernmental international body focused on tiger conservation.
Tiger reserves are not the same as zoological parks, and not every national park is a tiger reserve.
MCQs
Q1. Project Tiger was launched in India in which year?
1969
1973
1980
1992
Correct answer: 2) 1973
Explanation: Project Tiger began in 1973 to conserve tigers and their habitats through a protected-area approach.
Q2. Which organisation is the statutory authority responsible for tiger conservation in India?
Botanical Survey of India
National Tiger Conservation Authority
Central Zoo Authority
National Biodiversity Authority
Correct answer: 2) National Tiger Conservation Authority
Explanation: The NTCA oversees tiger conservation under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Q3. What is the main ecological purpose of a wildlife corridor?
To separate predators from prey permanently
To facilitate movement between fragmented habitats
To convert forests into agricultural land
To prevent all wildlife migration
Correct answer: 2) To facilitate movement between fragmented habitats
Explanation: Corridors connect habitats, support dispersal and breeding, and help maintain genetic diversity.
Q4. M-STrIPES is associated with the monitoring of which animal in India?
Snow leopard
Asiatic lion
Tiger
Great Indian bustard
Correct answer: 3) Tiger
Explanation: M-STrIPES supports systematic monitoring and patrolling in tiger reserves.