Description

Context:

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed for the translocation of 15 tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Interstate Tiger Translocation Projects

Tiger translocation is a wildlife conservation strategy aimed at relocating tigers from areas of overpopulation or human-wildlife conflict to areas of low tiger density or suitable habitats to increase tiger populations and ensure their genetic diversity.

This approach is part of India's efforts under Project Tiger and other conservation programs.

Tiger translocation targets

Population recovery: Re-introduce tigers to areas where they have become locally extinct.
Genetic diversity: Prevent inbreeding in isolated populations by introducing new genetic material.
Conflict Mitigation: Reduce human-wildlife conflicts in areas of high tiger density.
Habitat Restoration: Revitalize ecosystems by re-introducing apex predators that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Role of NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority)

Provides guidance, supervision and coordination for tiger relocation projects.
Ensures adherence to scientific methods and best practices for successful translocation.

Failure of the first tiger translocation project

India's first interstate tiger translocation project, aimed at boosting tiger populations in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (Odisha) faced significant challenges that ultimately led to its failure.

Causes of failure

Lack of local community involvement

Relocation has caused an increase in cases of tigers feeding on livestock leading to resentment among local communities.
Poor communication and lack of awareness about the project led to resistance from communities living near the reserve.

Unsuitability of habitat

Satkosia lacked an adequate prey population to sustain displaced tigers making the area inhospitable.
A male tiger has attempted to leave the reserve indicating discomfort with the habitat.

Project management issues

The project did not conduct a thorough assessment of the habitat's readiness to host tigers.
There were delays and inefficiencies in tracking and responding to tiger movements.

Lesson learned

Need for comprehensive planning: Conduct habitat assessments to ensure adequate prey base, space and security.
- - Develop conflict mitigation strategies before introducing apex predators.
Local Community Engagement: Educate and engage local communities to gain their support for conservation efforts.
- - Offer compensation schemes and alternative livelihoods to offset potential losses.
Rigorous monitoring and adaptation: Deploy advanced tracking systems to track displaced animals.
- - Adjust strategies dynamically based on real-time data.
National coordination: Strengthen cooperation between states to ensure smooth implementation and share best practices.

Benefits of Tiger Relocation

Ecological balance

It restores the predator-prey dynamic that is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.
It increases the biodiversity of underpopulated reserves.
Mitigating human-tiger conflicts
It relieves overcrowded tiger reserves and reduces competition between tigers for territory and resources.
It minimizes the incidence of tigers straying into human settlements.

Regenerating landscapes

It is reviving tiger populations in areas where they were historically present but extinct. It contributes to global efforts in nature conservation and restoration programs.

Tiger Reserves In Madhya Pradesh

Aspect	Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)	Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve	Pench Tiger Reserve
Location	Mandla and Balaghat districts, nestled in the Maikal range of the Satpuras, Central Indian highlands.	Umaria district, between Vindhyan and Satpura ranges.	Seoni and Chhindwara districts (MP) and extends into Nagpur district (Maharashtra).
Establishment	National Park: June 1, 1955; Tiger Reserve: 1973.	National Park: 1968; Tiger Reserve: 1993.	Includes Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and buffer zones.
Cultural Significance	Inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.	Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to be gifted by Lord Rama to Lakshmana.	Inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.
Mascot	First in India to introduce an official mascot, Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.	Not Applicable.	Not Applicable.
Flora	Lowland: Sal and mixed forest trees interspersed with meadows. Highland: Tropical moist deciduous trees with bamboo.	Tropical moist deciduous forests with sal, grasslands, and bamboo. Notable species: Saj, Dhaora, Tendu, Arjun, etc.	Mosaic of wet valleys and dry deciduous forests. Includes teak, saag, mahua, grasses, and shrubs.
Fauna	Significant populations of Bengal tigers, leopards, sloths, Indian wild dogs. Known for saving the Barasingha from extinction.	Highest density of Bengal tigers globally. Other species: leopards, wolves, jackals, chital, sambar, nilgai, etc.	Key predators: Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, wolves. Other fauna: Chital, sambar, nilgai, gaur, wild pigs. Rich in birds (325+ species).
Unique Features	Largest National Park in MP; Barasingha (state animal of MP) conservation success.	Historical significance of Bandhavgarh Fort.	Named after the Pench River. Diverse fauna and avian population including Malabar hornbill and Indian pitta.

Source:

Pti News

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Tiger relocation programs have been a significant part of wildlife conservation efforts in India. Discuss the challenges and benefits of relocating tigers to new habitats. (250 words)