Project Tiger And Biosphere Reserves.pptx

This presentation briefly covers Project Tiger and Biosphere Reserves in India. Project Tiger focuses on protecting tigers through habitat conservation, the Tiger Task Force, core and buffer zones, and regular census methods. Key reserves include Corbett and Periyar.

Biosphere Reserves aim to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. They include core, buffer, and transition zones, and follow the National Biosphere Reserve Programme with specific objectives and criteria. Notable examples are the Nilgiri and Sundarbans Biosphere Reserves.

1. INDIAN CASE STUDIES ON CONSERVATION & MANAGEMANT STRATEGY CONCEPTS OF PROJECT TIGER, BIOSPHERE RESERVES

2. PROJECT TIGER Tiger is the largest living member of the cat family, known for its iconic orange coat with black stripes. These powerful, solitary hunters are native to Asia, with populations ranging from Russia's snowy forests to India's tropical mangroves. Panthera tigris

3. Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative in India that was launched in 1973. The primary objective of Project Tiger is to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in their natural habitats by creating dedicated Tiger Reserves. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the project started with nine reserves and aims to maintain viable tiger populations for their ecological, economic, and cultural importance. It has since expanded significantly, now overseeing numerous tiger reserves across India, and uses methods like camera traps for more accurate tiger census counts, with India now home to a large portion of the world's wild tigers. Project Tiger

4. PRINCIPLES​ Elimination of all forms of human exploitation and disturbance from the core and rationalization of such activities in the buffer. ​ Limitation of habitat management to repair damage done by man with the aim of restoring the ecosystem as close to its naturalfunctioning as possible. ​ Researching facts about habitat and wild animals and carefully monitoring changes in flora and fauna. The Tiger Task Force was a committee set up in India in 2005 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to review the management of tiger reserves and suggest improvements for tiger conservation. The formation of the Tiger Task Force was a response to the media's exposure of the disappearance of tigers from India's Sariska Wildlife Reserve. TIGER TASK FORCE

5. The Task Force aimed to strengthen tiger conservation in India by reviewing current strategies and suggesting new methods to improve the protection of the tiger population. The Task Force highlighted the need to combat poaching and illegal activities within wildlife sanctuaries. It recommended improvements in the management and scrutiny of tiger reserves, as well as setting up a wildlife crime bureau . The Task Force emphasised the need for sufficient habitat, or "inviolate, " spaces for viable breeding populations of wild tigers. It suggested ways to incentivise local communities and forest staff for their role in conservation. The Task Force recommended working with China to break the illegal trade network. The Task Force submitted its report, which led to significant debate and influenced future conservation policies, including the formation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and other measures that have contributed to the recovery of India's tiger population.

6. ZONES​ A Project Tiger zone refers to an area designated as a Tiger Reserve under India's Project Tiger, to protect Bengal tigers and their habitats. These reserves operate on a core-buffer strategy: ​ Core area : is a strictly protected national park or sanctuary. It is free from all human disturbances and activities, such as grazing, forest produce collection, and settlements, to ensure an exclusive tiger agenda. ​ Buffer Area: is managed as a multiple-use area. Limited human activities are allowed here, allows for sustainable human use and community participation in conservation.

7. Anti-poaching activities.​ Infrastructural development of the Tiger Reserves.​ Water development and Habitat Improvement.​ Rehabilitation of hunting tribes surrounding the reserves.​ Protection of the reserves from ecologically unsustainable development.​ Resolving the man animal conflict​ Encouraging eco tourism​ Establishment of new tiger reserves​ Development of staff and capacity of caretakers. TIGER CONSERVATION STRATEGIES​

8. Phase 1: Ground Surveys for Tiger Occupancy ​ Forest staff and researchers conduct foot patrols across forest beats to collect signs of tiger presence, including scat for DNA analysis, pugmarks, and scratch marks. Data is recorded in real-time using the GPS-enabled M-STrIPES mobile app for accurate geo-tagging and monitoring.​ Phase 2: Remote Sensing and Habitat Assessment​ Satellite data and field inputs are used in GIS to map tiger habitats. Transect surveys estimate prey abundance, helping determine tiger density and guide optimal camera trap placement for the next phase.​ method of tiger census

9. Phase 3: Camera trapping and individual identification ​ India’s tiger census is the largest of its kind, using over 32,800 heat- and motion-activated paired cameras to capture images of tigers from both sides. Each tiger's unique stripe pattern is identified using software like ExtractCompare. Data is analyzed using SECR models to estimate tiger density in surveyed areas.​ Phase 4: Extrapolation and estimation. ​ Statistical models are used to extrapolate tiger densities from surveyed areas to unsurveyed regions, incorporating data on habitat quality, prey availability, and human disturbance. The final All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) report compiles this information to provide a comprehensive nationwide estimate of the tiger population and habitat condition.

10. As of March 2025, India has 58 designated tiger reserves across 18 states. These protected areas are managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as part of Project Tiger, a program launched in 1973 to protect and conserve the country's tiger population.

11. CORBETT TIGER RESERVE Corbett Tiger Reserve, located in Uttarakhand, is India's oldest and first national park,established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It was the launch site of Project Tiger in1973. Spread over 1,300+ sq km, the reserve is known for its diverse landscapes—rivers, grasslands, and dense forests—and a high tiger population. It is also home to elephants, leopards, deer, and over 600 bird species. Corbett is a major hub forwildlife tourism and plays a vital role in tiger conservation and ecological research.​

12. Periyar Tiger Reserve, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of India’s well-known protected areas for tiger conservation. Spread across about 925 sq km, it is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic Periyar Lake, and successful eco-tourism initiatives. Apart from tigers, it is home to elephants, gaur, leopards, and many endemic species of flora and fauna. The reserve is managed with a strong focus on community participation and conservation through programs like eco-development and responsible tourism. PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE

13. BIOSPHERE RESERVE

14. A biosphere reserve is an internationally recognized protected area designed to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Established under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 1971, these reserves serve as "learning places for sustainable development". They are managed based on local community efforts and sound science, promoting a balanced relationship between humans and nature. Biosphere reserves nominated by their respective national governments are recognized by UNESCO and become part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This network promotes global collaboration and the exchange of information, experiences, and expertise on sustainable development.

15. Functions of Biosphere Reserves 01 A conservation function - to contribute to conservation of landscapes,ecosystems and species variation 02 03 A development function - to foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable A logistic function - to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development

16. 03 Structure of Biosphere Reserves CORE ZONE: It is the most protected area of a biosphere reserve. It may contain endemic plants and animals. They conserve the wild relatives of economic species and also represent important genetic reservoirs having exceptional scientific interest. TRANSITION ZONE: It is the outermost part of the biosphere reserve. It is the zone of cooperation where human ventures and conservation are done in harmony. It includes settlements, croplands, managed forests and areas for intensive recreation and other economic uses characteristics of the region. BUFFER ZONE: The buffer zone surrounds the core zone, and its activities are managed in this area in ways that help in the protection of the core zone in its natural condition. It includes restoration, limited tourism, fishing, grazing, etc. Research and educational activities are to be encouraged.

17. NATIONAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE PROGRAMME The National Biosphere Reserve Programme, initiated in India in 1986, implements UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to balance conservation and sustainable human livelihoods through a multi-zone land-use system. The program supports the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage within protected ecosystems, providing financial aid to states and requiring them to prepare management plans approved by the Central MAB Committee.

18. OBJECTIVE To conserve the diversity and integrity of plants and animals within natural ecosystems; To safeguard genetic diversity of species on which their continuing evolution depends To provide areas for multi-faceted research and monitoring; To provide facilities for education and training; and To ensure sustainable use of natural resources through most appropriate technology for improvement of economic well-being of the local people. To serve as a wider base for conservation of entire range of living resources and their ecological foundations in addition to already established protected area network system To bring out representative ecosystems under conservation and sustainable use on a long term basis. To ensure participation of local inhabitants for effective management and devise means of improving livelihood of the local inhabitants through sustainable use. To integrate scientific research with traditional knowledge of conservation, education and training as a part of the overall management of BR. AIMS OF THE SCHEME

19. 1.Primary criteria A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation and should include additional land and water suitable for research and demonstration of sustainable methods of research and management. The core area should be typical of a biogeographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all tropic levels in the ecosystem. 2. Secondary criteria Areas having rare and endangered species. Areas having diversity of soil and micro-climatic conditions and indigenous varieties of biota.. Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of environment. CRITERIA OF BIOSPHERE RESERVE

20. India currently has 18 Biosphere Reserves (BRs), with the first established being the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986. Twelve of these Indian BRs are recognized in the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) World Network. Key Indian BRs include the Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh), Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand), Khangchendzonga (Sikkim), Sundarbans (West Bengal), and Agasthyamalai (Kerala & Tamil Nadu). Notable Highlights: First BR: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986). Largest BR: Gulf of Kachchh. Smallest BR: Dibru-Saikhowa. Most Recent: Panna, added to the UNESCO MAB Network in 2020.

21. NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, located in India’s Western Ghats, is a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich tropical forests and unique ecosystems. Covering 552,000 hectares, it hosts over 3,500 plant species (1,500 endemic) and diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The terrain ranges from low hills to high montane grasslands. Indigenous tribes inhabit the region, preserving traditional knowledge and nature-based practices. It has several endemic species, including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill Nilgiri Flycatcher. White-bellied Treepie, and Nilgiri Pipit. Plant life includes genera such as Adenoon, Wagatea, Calacanthus, Baeolepis, Frerea, Jarodina and Poeciloneuron,

22. The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, located in the Gangetic Delta of West Bengal, India, is the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1989, it spans 9,630 km², including core, buffer, and transition zones. The reserve is home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, and over 200 bird species, including the rare Masked Finfoot. Its mangrove ecosystem plays a vital role in coastal protection, reducing the impact of cyclones and preventing erosion. The area supports millions of people who depend on fishing, honey collection, and forest resources for their livelihood. However, it faces threats from illegal fishing, mangrove deforestation, poaching, and unregulated tourism. Conservation efforts include afforestation, eco-development, and sustainable livelihood programs SUNDARBAN BIOSPHERE

23. Thank You