PROJECT TIGERPresentation Made by Rohan D. Gandhi

PROJECT TIGER Project Tiger is a wildlife

conservation movement initiated in India in 1973 to protect tigers..Project Tiger: Project Tiger, launched in 1973-74, is one of our most successful conservation ventures in the recent times. The project aims at tiger conservation in specially constituted 'tiger reserves', which are representative of various bio-geographical regions falling within india. It strives to maintain a viable tiger population in the natural environment.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Project Tiger was meant to identify the

limiting factors and to mitigate them by suitable management.

The damages done to the habitat were to be rectified so as to facilitate the recovery of the ecosystem to the maximum possible extent.

. The project aims at tiger conservation in specially constituted 'tiger reserves', falling in regions within India

It strives to maintain a viable tiger population in the natural environment.

WORK DONE In 2008 there were more than 40 Project

Tiger reserves covering an area over 37,761 km2 (14,580 sq mi). Project Tiger helped to increase the population of these tigers from 1,200 in the 1970s to 3,500 in 1990s. However, a 2008 census held by the Government of India revealed that the tiger population had dropped to 1,411

HABITATS BEING COVERED The potential tiger habitats being covered

are: Sivalik–Terai Conservation Unit (Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh,

Bihar, West Bengal), and in Nepal North east Conservation Unit Sunderbans Conservation Unit Central Indian Conservation Unit Eastern Ghat Conservation Unit Western Ghat Conservation Units

ORGANIZATION Project Tiger is administered by the

National Tiger Conservation Authority. The overall administration of the project is monitored by a Steering Committee. A Field Director is appointed for each reserve, who is assisted by the field and technical personnel. At the centre, a full-fledged Director of the project coordinates the work for the country.

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT MONITORS

In order to have independent evaluation of Tiger Reserves, Project Tiger Directorate appointed independent monitors in July 2004.

Experts were selected for professional background, relevant experience, and absence of conflicting interests in terms of MEF guidelines.

Supreme court has endorsed the selection of experts.

GRADING THE TIGER RESERVES

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Very good Score >135 (>75%) Maximum Score = 180Good Score 108 – 134 (>60 - <75 %)Satisfactory Score 72 – 107 (40 - <60 %)Poor Score <72 (<40 %)

TOURISM AS A BANE

Uncontrolled tourism can affect the habitat of the Tiger

WILDLIFE PROTECTION REQUIREMENT Wildlife protection and crime risk management in the

present scenario requires a widely distributed Information Network, using state-of-the-art information and communication technology. This becomes all the more important to ensure the desired level of protection in field formations to safeguard the impressive gains of a focused project like 'Project Tiger'. The important elements in wildlife protection and control are: Mapping/Plot (graphics)plotting the relative spatial abundance of wild animals, identification of risk factors, proximity to risk factors, 'sensitivity categorization', 'crime mapping' and immediate action for apprehending the offenders based on effective networking and communication.

TECHNOLOGY USED 'Tiger Atlas of India' and a 'Tiger Habitat and

Population Evaluation System' for the country is being developed using state-of-the-art technology. This involves:

Mapping, data acquisition and GIS modeling Field data collection and validation Data Maintenance, dissemination and use

POSITIVE SIGNS Professionally prepared Management Plans

implemented with little deviation. Anti-poaching camps and daily monitoring. Professional thinking,direction and

management experimentation. Firm resolve among leadership & motivated

field personnel. Efficient networking with police, district

administration and other agencies. Concerted efforts at addressing people

related issues.

Thank You……