Project Tiger
‘Project Tiger’ initiated in the year 1972 is amongst the most ambitious conservation projects in the world and one of the most successful wildlife conservations attempts. The main motive of this project was to save tiger from reaching the dangerous level of extinction because tiger servers as one of the main part of the ecosystem by balancing the food chain. As tigers are at the top of the ecological food chain hence conservation of tigers directly effect on the conservation of the animals serving the lower level of the food chain. This project covers almost 37,761 km of tiger habitat in the form of forests, meadows, mountains and scrubland. Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change sponsored the tiger project in which about 47 tiger reserves were situated in more than 17 regions which also included the Ranthambore National Park and Corbett National Park, which assesses the count of tigers, their hunting places, habits and their habitat, under the control of the specially assigned Tiger Task Force particularly for this project56. Project Tiger has proved successful in protection, maintaining and increasing the count of tigers in nature. As tiger is also the national animal of India it becomes more significant in this account for conserving the national animal. Despite of conservation measures taken by the Indian Government for almost three decades and also the increase in number, tiger still remains one of the endangered predators of the developing and emerging world. The reason for this drawback can be said to be, revenge killings due to man- animal conflicts, due to agriculture and industrial expansion and development huge decrease in habitat for tigers is seen, and the most important factor for this can be the tremendously huge demand for the parts of animal body, nails, teeth and skin of tiger.
The implementation of Project Tiger over the years has highlighted the need for a statutory authority with legal backing to ensure tiger conservation. On the basis of the recommendations of National Board for Wild Life chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, a Task Force was set up to look into the problems of tiger conservation in the country. The recommendations of the said Task Force, interalia include strengthening of Project Tiger by giving it statutory and administrative powers, apart from creating the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. It has also recommended that an annual report should be submitted to the Central Government for laying in Parliament, so that commitment to Project Tiger is reviewed from time to time, in addition to addressing the concerns of local people. Broadly the urgent recommendations of the said Task Force are as below:
- Reinvigorating the constitution of governance.
- Strengthening efforts towards protection of tiger, checking poaching, convicting wildlife criminals and breaking the international trade network in wildlife body parts and derivatives.
- Expanding the undisturbed areas for tiger by reducing human pressure.
- Repair the relationship with local people who share the tigers habitat by fielding strategies for coexistence.
- Regenerate the forest habitats in the fringes of the tigers protective enclaves by investing in forest, water and grassland economies of the people.
Considering the urgency of the situation, Project Tiger has been converted into a statutory authority (NTCA) by providing enabling provisions in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 through an amendment, viz. Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. This forms one of the urgent recommendations of the Tiger Task Force appointed by the Prime Minister. The NTCA addresses the ecological as well as administrative concerns for conserving tigers, by providing a statutory basis for protection of tiger reserves, apart from providing strengthened institutional mechanisms for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species. The Authority also ensures enforcing of guidelines for tiger conservation and monitoring compliance of the same, apart from placement of motivated and trained officers having good track record as Field Directors of tiger reserves. It also facilitates capacity building of officers and staff posted in tiger reserves, apart from a time bound staff development plan.
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 has come into force with effect from the 4th of September, 2006, and the NTCA has also been constituted on the same date.
India is the world’s largest home for Royal Bengal Tigers. India hosts more than 70% of the total Tigers in the world. It is no surprise then that we are also prime targets for tiger hunters and poachers. To overcome this threat Project Tiger was launched in 1973 in India.
Since the population of these beautiful big cats is spread across many states in India, the responsibility of protecting those falls upon the government. Project Tiger is the government’s response to this call of duty.
How Project Tiger was started in India?
Back in the early 19th century, There were about 40,000 Royal Bengal Tigers in India. Within seven decades, Royal Bengal Tiger’s population dwindled to a mere 1800. It was not only shocking and alarming but also a reflection of the neglect that was being heaped upon the National Animal of India. It was an undeniable failure.
In light of the scathing criticism brought on by these stats, the government looked into the issue and initiated steps to revive the tiger population in the country. Project Tiger in India was launched on 1st April 1973 as a major wildlife conservation project in India. It was launched from the Jim Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand.
The initiative is funded by the Union Govt. of India and administrated under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the immediate supervising agency.
Aim to start Tiger Project in India
The stated aims of Project Tiger were
- To identify factors causing a reduction in tiger habitats and mitigate them through suitable management practices. The damages already done to the habitat were to be corrected so that the natural ecosystem can be recovered to the extent possible.
- To maintain a viable tiger population for their economic, ecological, cultural, and aesthetic significance
When was Project Tiger launched?
Project Tiger was launched in the year 1973. It was one of the most important conservation efforts initiated to protect Tigers in India. It was the first of its kind of Project in India to maintain the population of Tigers in India and to protect them from Poaching and other threats.
History of Tiger Project in India
Initially, When Project Tiger was rolled out in 1973, nine tiger reserves encompassing an area of 9,115 sq km were identified to be brought under special protection. By the late 1980s the number of protected tiger reserves increases from 9 to 15. And a total area of 24,700 sq. km of forested land was reserved for the Tigers.
By 1984, the number of tigers present in Project Tiger reserves reached above 1100. In the next few years, more and more tiger habitats were added to the Project Tiger. By the year 1997 there were 23 tiger reserves stretched over an area of 33,000 sq. km were being protected under Project Tiger in India.
However, even as the range of protected areas continued to expand, the number of tigers didn’t increase considerably.
Tiger Census (Counting of Tigers)
The first Tiger Census of 2006 projected 1,411 tigers were left in the country. Since the census methods used were technology-based, the results were more believable.
The results estimated a total tiger population at 1,411 individuals ranging from 1,165 to 1,657 adult and sub-adult tigers. 2006 Census created a second round of stir and debate around tiger conservation. Protection efforts have increased manifold since then.
Owing to the renewed sincerity to Tiger conservation, the number of tigers consistently increased in the next decade. 2014 Tiger Census-estimated 2,226 Bengal tigers in India.
Karnataka was the state with the highest tiger population. The recorded tiger count in the state was 408 as per the 2014 tiger census.
But, in 2018 Tiger Census, The crown of the Tiger State of India is been taken away by Madhya Pradesh with 526 Tigers, whereas Karnataka and Uttrakhand were second and third in position with 524 and 442 Tigers respectively.
The total Tiger Population as per the Tiger Census 2018 is 2,967 Tigers, which was 33% more than the 2014 Census and more than double, than the 2006 Tiger Census
Today, Project Tiger looks after 50 tiger reserves spread across 72,749 sq. km. of green cover in an effort to conserve the population of the Royal Bengal Tiger
Project Tiger’s Management
NTCA administers Project Tiger completely. And for the same various conservation units have been established consisting of a field director and a group of technical people to assist. Various conservation units that have been formed to help Project Tiger in India are:
- Eastern Ghats Conservation Unit
- Western Ghats Conservation Unit
- Central India Conservation Unit
- North-East Conservation Unit
- Sariska Conservation Unit
- Kaziranga Conservation Unit
- Shivalik Terai Conservation Unit
- Sunderbans Conservation Unit
Core-Buffer Strategy in Project Tiger
For the sake of efficient management and tiger density-based administration, tiger reserves are created on the basis of a ‘core-buffer’ strategy.
A particular expanse of land is identified and marked as the ‘core area of the reserve. These areas are kept free of all human activities. It usually has the legal status of National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary. No human activity is allowed inside the core area, including tourism. Even everyday tasks such as grazing and wood collection are banned.
The buffer areas usually surround the core area and are comparatively less frequented by the resident wildlife. Hence, limited human interaction here will not harm their habitat. Hence, it is subjected to ‘conservation-oriented land use’. Certain everyday activities necessary for daily life and living of surrounding villages are allowed.
The buffer area serves twin purposes. One, it serves as a habitat supplement to the spillover population of wild animals from the core area. Two, it becomes a livelihood source for surrounding villages and relieves their impact on the core zone.
The plan of action for each tiger reserve is drawn upon the following key principles:
- Elimination of all human interference from the core area and careful rationalization of activities in the buffer area
- Limiting the habitat management practices to only repair activities for ecosystem damage
- Monitoring the floral and faunal changes overtime for research
To counter poaching, wireless communication systems and outstation patrol camps have been deployed within the tiger reserves. Fire protection is ensured through preventive and control measures. Compensatory developmental works have improved water availability which in turn betters vegetation. Lush vegetation cover helps in increasing the tiger prey base.
Village relocation is one of the significant steps as well as a hurdle to reserve management in core zones. While some villages relocate voluntarily, most others resist giving up their ancestral dwellings. The issue gets even more sensitive in the case of tribal communities.
The Indian Government passed the Forest Rights Act in 2006 which recognized the right of some forest communities to their native forest area. Recognition of this right is bound to have a serious implication of tiger conservation efforts, the extent of which is yet to be determined.
The success of Project Tiger
India was facing a huge challenge in the conservation of Tiger, with only 1200 Tigers left in the wild, It was a great threat to these beautiful Big Cat. But a Great Thanks to NTCA to launch Project Tiger in 1973.
The tiger population now is around 3,000, which is still not healthy and stable, but thanks to Project Tiger. It’s all because of efforts of NTCA and Tiger Project Team
Royal Bengal Tigers population is still a point of concern, but at least it is increasing and more people are coming together to conserve Tigers, many people are now aware of the conservation measures and participating actively in wildlife conservation-related activities.
Facts about Tigers in India
- India hosts a total of 75% tiger population of the world
- The result of the last Tiger Census 2018 was declared on 29 July 2019.
- The total number of tigers in India is 2967 as per the latest 2018 Tiger Census report.
- India is the only country to host three prime members of Big Cats Family; Lion, Tiger, and Leopards
- India has more than 100 National Parks and 50 Tiger Reserves
List of Project Tiger. Tiger Reserves in India
Below is the list of tiger reserves in India under Project Tiger.
| Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger | ||||
| Sr. | Tiger Reserve (TR) Name | State | Estd.Year | Total Area |
| 1 | Corbett TR | Uttarakhand | 1973 | 1288 |
| 2 | Bandipur TR | Karnataka | 1973 | 1456 |
| 3 | Kanha TR | M.P. | 1973 | 2051 |
| 4 | Manas TR | Aasam | 1973 | 2837 |
| 5 | Sunderbans TR | West Bengal | 1973 | 2584 |
| 6 | Melghat TR | Maharashtra | 1973 | 2768 |
| 7 | Ranthambore TR | Rajasthan | 1973 | 1411 |
| 8 | Palamau TR | Jharkhand | 1973 | 1129 |
| 9 | Similipal TR | Odisha | 1973 | 2750 |
| 10 | Periyar TR | Kerela | 1978 | 925 |
| 11 | Sariska TR | Rajasthan | 1978 | 1213 |
| 12 | Buxa TR | West Bengal | 1983 | 757 |
| 13 | Indravati | Chhatisgarh | 1983 | 2799 |
| 14 | Namdapha | A.P. | 1983 | 2025 |
| 15 | Dudhwa | U.P. | 1987 | 2201 |
| 16 | Kalakad Mundanthurai | Tamil Nadu | 1988 | 1601 |
| 17 | Valmiki TR | Bihar | 1989 | 899 |
| 18 | Pench TR | M.P. | 1992 | 1799 |
| 19 | Tadoba TR | Maharashtra | 1995 | 1727 |
| 20 | Bandhavgarh TR | M.P. | 1993 | 1530 |
| 21 | Panna TR | M.P. | 1994 | 1599 |
| 22 | Dampa TR | Mizoram | 1994 | 988 |
| 23 | Bhadra TR | Karnataka | 1998 | 1064 |
| 24 | Pench TR | Maharashtra | 1992 | 741 |
| 25 | Pakke TR | A.P. | 2002 | 1198 |
| 26 | Nameri TR | Assam | 1998 | 464 |
| 27 | Satpura TR | M.P. | 2000 | 2133 |
| 28 | Anamalai TR | Tamil Nadu | 2008 | 1480 |
| 29 | Udanti Sitanadi | Chhatisgarh | 2008 | 1842 |
| 30 | Satkosia TR | Odisha | 2008 | 964 |
| 31 | Kaziranga TR | Asssam | 2006 | 1174 |
| 32 | Achanakmar TR | Chhatisgarh | 2008 | 914 |
| 33 | Dandeli Anshi TR | Karnataka | 2008 | 1097 |
| 34 | Sanjay Dubri TR | M.P. | 2008 | 1675 |
| 35 | Mudumalai TR | Tamil Nadu | 2010 | 689 |
| 36 | Nagarhole TR | Karnataka | 1999 | 1206 |
| 37 | Parambikulam TR | Kerala | 2010 | 644 |
| 38 | Sahyadri TR | Maharashtra | 2008 | 1165 |
| 39 | Billi Ranganatha Temple TR | Karnataka | 2010 | 575 |
| 40 | Kawal TR | Telangana | 2012 | 2015 |
| 41 | Sathyamangalam TR | Tamil Nadu | 2013 | 1408 |
| 42 | Mukundra Hill TR | Rajasthan | 2013 | 760 |
| 43 | Navagaon Nazgira TR | Maharashtra | 2012 | 1895 |
| 44 | Nagarjunsagar Srisailam TR | A.P. | 1982 | 3296 |
| 45 | Amrabad TR | Telangana | 2014 | 2611 |
| 46 | Pilibhit TR | U.P. | 2014 | 730 |
| 47 | Bor TR | Maharashtra | 2014 | 816 |
| 48 | Rajaji TR | Uttarakhand | 2015 | 1075 |
| 49 | Orang TR | Assam | 2016 | 493 |
| 50 | Kamlang TR | A.P. | 2016 | 783 |
| 51 | Srivilliputhur-Megamalai TR | 2021 | ||
| 52 | Ramgarh Vishdhari TR | 2021 | ||
| 53 | Tamor Pingla TR (WLS) | 2021 | ||
Statewise list of Tiger Reserves in India in PDF Format
DOWNLOAD the complete “list of Tiger Reserves” in India PDF format with the core area, buffer area, and total area updated till 2019.
Project Tiger FAQs
When was the Project Tiger started in India?
Project Tiger was started in April 1973 in India.
Who started Project Tiger in India?
Project Tiger was started by the Government of India in 1973, for the conservation of Tigers in India. All the project tigers are governed and managed by a committee called the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
How many Project Tiger are there in India?
There are a total of 50 Tiger Reserves in India which was governed by Project Tiger.
Which was the first Project Tiger?
Jim Corbett was the first national park to come under Project Tiger.
DOWNLOAD the complete “list of Tiger Reserves” in India PDF format with the core area, buffer area, and total area updated till 2019.
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