• Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was declared India’s 57th tiger reserve on December 2, 2024.
• Following Madhav National Park’s pending approval, India will soon have 58 tiger reserves.

What is a Tiger Reserve?

• Established under the Project Tiger initiative of 1973 to conserve tigers and their habitats.
• Includes a core area (national park/sanctuary) and a buffer area (mixed-use land).
• Currently, 57 tiger reserves cover 82,000 sq km, accounting for over 2.3% of India’s geographical area.
• India is home to 3,167 tigers, representing over 70% of the global wild tiger population.

Historical Background of Tiger Reserves

• In 1969, India banned the export of wild cat skins to curb poaching.
• Project Tiger launched in 1973 with nine reserves, including Corbett, Kanha, and Sundarbans.
• Designed to combat rapid population declines caused by hunting and habitat loss.

How Are Tiger Reserves Created?

• State Government Identification: Areas with viable tiger populations and habitats are selected.
• Ecological Assessment: Studies on prey base, vegetation, and tiger sustainability conducted.
• Proposal Submission: Sent to NTCA and Union Ministry for approval.
• Notification: Finalized under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Management Plans: Includes habitat improvement, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement.

Key Legal Safeguards

• As per Section 38W, a tiger reserve cannot be de-notified without the approval of NTCA and the National Board for Wild Life.

Benefits of Tiger Reserves

• Ecological Role: Tigers, as apex predators, regulate forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Climate Impact: Between 2007–2020, reserves prevented forest loss and restricted 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
• Umbrella Effect: Protection for tigers benefits other species and the ecosystem.

Diverse Tiger Habitats in India

• Habitats include high mountains, mangroves, grasslands, deciduous forests, and evergreen forests.

Environmental Contributions

• Reserves reduce deforestation, aid in carbon sequestration, and combat climate change.
• The Project Tiger initiative supports conservation on a national scale with financial and technical resources.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• The NTCA conducts regular assessments, including the All India Tiger Estimation, every four years to track tiger numbers.

Conclusion

• Tiger reserves are critical not just for conserving tigers but also for maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change.
• Ratapani’s designation adds momentum to India’s ongoing wildlife conservation efforts.