Iger conservation: trides and hurdles

On International Tiger Day (July 29), Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that the government is committed to ensuring safe habitats for tigers and nurturing tigerndly ecosystems in India, home to over 70% of the ld’s tiger population. The last tiger census (2018) ged the big cat’s population at 2,967, marking an ease of about 30% compared to the 2014 report 26). In 2010, India had 1,706 tigers, while in 2006 as 1,411. India’s tiger conservation journey started 973 with Project Tiger with nine reserves; today, as 50 tiger reserves in 18 states. he steady growth in the number of tigers and rves happened because of State support; vigile and conservation efforts by the forest departnt, especially its frontline staff; and the involvent of local communities that help secure forests participate in ecotourism activities in many of popular and revenue-generating tiger reserves. hile increased protection has encouraged tigers reed, it has also led to migration from the safety eserves. Once they leave the park, big cats encoer a different world. The

report shows at least half of the 50 tiger reserves are facing ats from linear infrastructure (roads, highways railway lines), fragmented forest corridors, ching, pressure of human-wildlife conflict, ing, improper garbage disposal, and pollution. ut 20% of the reserves have unsustainable ssure from pilgrims visiting temples inside them. ia has made progress, but must remain acutely