Wildlife Sanctuaries of India and research on wildlife protection

wildlife sanctuaries in india and wildlife protection

1. WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

2. IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES: Wildlife sanctuaries play a crucial role in conservation and biodiversity. Here are some key points highlighting their importance: 1. Biodiversity Preservation Wildlife sanctuaries provide safe habitats for various species, helping to protect them from habitat loss and extinction. They maintain genetic diversity, which is vital for species adaptation and resilience.. 2. Ecosystem Balance Sanctuaries support entire ecosystems by maintaining natural interactions among species, including predator-prey relationships and plant pollination. This balance is essential for ecosystem health and stability .

3. 3. Research and Education Wildlife sanctuaries serve as important sites for scientific research, allowing scientists to study species behaviors, ecology, and conservation methods. They also offer educational programs that raise awareness about wildlife conservation. 4. Tourism and Economic Benefits Sanctuaries attract eco-tourism, providing economic benefits to local communities. This can promote conservation by creating financial incentives to protect wildlife and their habitats . 5. Cultural and Spiritual Value Many cultures have deep connections to local wildlife and landscapes. Sanctuaries protect these cultural values, fostering a sense of identity and stewardship among communities. 6. Climate Change Mitigation Healthy ecosystems in wildlife sanctuaries can help sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. They also provide resilience against climate impacts for both wildlife and human communities.

4. ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

5. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Nature’s Refuge Provide a safe haven for a variety of plants and animals, many of which are endangered or threatened Ecosystem Services Contribute to essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, predator-prey relationships, seed dispersal, water purification, and soil fertility

6. GENETIC DIVERSITY Genetic Diversity Help maintain genetic diversity, which is crucial for species adaptability and resilience to environmental changes Protect Habitats Protect critical habitats from destruction due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urbanization

7. WHY SHOULD A REGION BECOME A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY? A particular region is declared a wildlife sanctuary due to a variety of reasons. Chief among these are: Biodiversity : Presence of diverse species(both flora and fauna). Ecological balance in the region. Geographical and climatic conditions: Temperature and rainfall. Terrain/Geographical features(mountains,rivers,forests) Human impact and land use: Current land use(agriculture, development) Human-Animal conflict and proximity to population. Presence of endangered species: It is essential to identify the species threatened and take concrete measures (like building a wildlife sanctuary) to ensure their protection.

8. OTHER FACTORS Conservation laws and support from local administration. Facilities for the management and working of the WS. Support from local communities. Availability of funds. Tourism opportunities

9. How wildlife sanctuaries are run and managed 1. A sanctuary is a sizable organization with numerous operational departments, including security, medical staff, transportation, etc. 2. The Indian government has also implemented a number of laws and policies to support the effective management of wildlife sanctuaries by the federal and state governments. 3. A comprehensive monitoring system has been developed, and India has embraced the WCPA framework.

10. Resurrecting the Indian Gaur: The Sanjay Tiger Reserve 1. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department (MPFD) together with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) initiated the project on Gaur Reintroduction titled "Establishment of Gaur in Sanjay Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh" for a period of five years (2023- 2028). 2. Pondi and Mohan ranges were identified as suitable for reintroduction of gaur based on favorable vegetation and water resources. 3. The reintroduction of gaur in SDTR has been a significant success, setting a precedent for future translocations of large mammals in India. This success highlights the importance of meticulous planning, collaboration, and ongoing research in wildlife conservation efforts.

11. CONSERVATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

12. GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKEN CONSERVATION PROGRAMS PROJECT TIGER PROJECT ELEPHANT PROTECTED AREA NETWORK ASIATIC LION REINTRODUCTION PROJECT INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF WILDLIFE HABITAT(IDWH) NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME(NAP) GREEN INDIA MISSION

13. Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, was established to safeguard the national symbol, the tiger. Starting with 9 tiger reserves, it now covers 50 protected areas across 18 states, actively preserving the tiger population. The reserves employ a core/buffer strategy, designating core areas as national parks or sanctuaries and buffer zones as mixed-use regions. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change sponsors this ongoing program, providing central support to states for tiger protection. PROJECT TIGER

14. EFFECTS OF WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

15. IN-SITU AND EX-SITU CONSERVATION

16. In Situ Conservation: Definition : This involves protecting species in their natural habitats. It focuses on maintaining and restoring ecosystems to support the survival of species in their native environments rather than keeping them under man made ecosystems. Examples : National parks and wildlife reserves. Conservation of natural habitats to support plant species. Legal protection of endangered species through legislation and proper governance. Ex Situ Conservation: Definition : This refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. It often involves breeding programs, seed banks, and botanical gardens. In this system usually the conserved species is kept in man made ecosystems as these species would need continuous care in order to not become extinct. Examples : Zoos and aquariums that breed endangered species for reintroduction. Seed banks that preserve genetic material of plants. Controlled environments like botanical gardens that cultivate and research plants

17. Key Differences Focus : In situ conservation emphasizes protecting ecosystems and natural processes, while ex situ conservation focuses on individual species outside their natural environments. Goals :In situ is better for the protection of large herds of animals and also maintain ecological balance whereas Ex situ is good for protection of a single animal species which is battling extinction. . Importance Both methods are crucial for effective biodiversity conservation. In situ conservation helps maintain healthy ecosystems, while ex situ conservation can provide a safety net for species facing immediate threats. Together, they form a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges of biodiversity loss.

18. PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE Location : Periyar Tiger Reserve is located amidst the Western Ghats, mostly in Kerala. Known for its tremendous variety in both flora and fauna, it is also a part of ‘Project Tiger’. Established initially in 1934 as Nellikampatty Reserve, it was declared Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950. The Periyar and Pamba rivers originate here, making the sanctuary a haven for wildlife. Habitat connectivity: Connects various forest patches in the Western Ghats supporting wildlife movement and gene flow.

19. The park is made of tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest, which support a large variety of fauna. Biodiversity: 50+ mammal species, 266 bird species, 45 reptile species. A total of 40 bengal tigers were counted in 925 sq km of the park in 2017. Periyar Tiger Reserve remain vital for the preservation of Kerala’s rich wildlife ecosystem. FLORA AND FAUNA

20. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK According to the census held in March 2018 , the Rhino population in Kaziranga NP is 2,613 . The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. The 430 km^2 park was given official status by the central government on 11 February 1974. Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India . The park, which hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 .

21. FLORA & FAUNA It’s a habitat for 35 mammalian species, of which 15 are threatened as per the IUCN Red List. Significant populations of large herbivores include Indian elephants (1,940), gaur (1300) and sambar deer (58). Kaziranga has the largest population of the Wild water buffalo anywhere accounting for about 57% of the world population. Four main types of vegetation exist in this park. These are alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Tall elephant grass is found on higher ground, and there are thick evergreen forests . There are many different aquatic floras in the lakes and ponds, and along the river shores. The invasive water hyacinth is very common .

22. PROJECT TIGER Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, was established to safeguard the national symbol, the tiger. Starting with 9 tiger reserves, it now covers 50 protected areas across 18 states, actively preserving the tiger population. The reserves employ a core/buffer strategy, designating core areas as national parks or sanctuaries and buffer zones as mixed-use regions. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change sponsors this ongoing program, providing central support to states for tiger protection.

23. CHALLENGES FACED BY WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

24. The main problems faced by the Wildlife Sanctuaries are: Climate change: Global warming and climate change has also played a major role in posing threat to the wildlife. This is also again due to human induced activities which is done by the burning of fossil fuels etc. which resulted in the changing of the climate globally thereby causing large scale problems like rise in sea level, extreme weather and many more. Illegal Trading, Hunting and poaching of endangered species: Illegal hunting and poaching has posed a major threat to wildlife which is further fuelled by the lack of proper management and use of resources by the forest officials to curb the menace and save the wildlife. Habitat loss by destruction, fragmentation and degradation: Habitat destruction and fragmentation can be taken place by human activities such as felling of trees, dredging rivers, constructing dams, filling wetlands and mowing fields, use of lands for agriculture, construction of houses, etc. Habitat degradation can take place because of the increasing pollution level, invasion of new species and changing ecosystems etc.

25. Over exploitation of resources: Exploitation and over exploitation of resources for food and other purposes has resulted in posing a threat to the wildlife, especially to the endangered species. The over use of the wild animals and plants for food, medicines, clothing etc has badly affected the wildlife populations and thus has become a threat to their existence. Pollution: The ever increasing pollution level due to human activities and industrial operations has resulted in the release of harmful and toxic pollutants in the air, water and land. Hence, it has affected the wildlife in an adverse manner and ultimately posed a threat to become extinct.

26. Conclusion Wildlife sanctuaries are vital for the protection of biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. They not only safeguard species and habitats but also provide numerous benefits to communities and the planet as a whole.

27. RESEARCH BASED ON BIODIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE Extensive Research based on biodiversity and wildlife has been conducted in the country as well as in the world. One such important organization involved in this is Central For Wildlife Sanctuaries, which is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in the areas of wildlife research, conservation,policy and education. CONTRIBUTION OF CWS India :

28. It has been a part of many projects such discovery of 700+ Lion tailed Macaques in 1985, Nationwide tiger prey assessment in 1995, Tiger Conservation act Karnataka in the year 2000, many more and the recent one is the Wild incubator program in 2023. It has partnered with several institutes as well as state governments. Over the past 40 years , CWS India has conducted extensive research on extensive biodiversity of our planet, ranging from large to small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and other exciting critters .

29. Research on cats and carnivores at CWS India began at earliest research in 1980s focusing on tigers. This project which originated in nagarahole forest, Karnataka soon grew to several wildlife parks in India making it the world's longest running big cat project in the world with over 800 tigers identified. Concurrently dogs, sloth bear, and many species that co-occur in the forest of India are also studied.

30. Research has coveted out a unique niche for itself globally combining rigorous field based research with innovative methods to produce over 70 peer reviewed scientific publication on tigers and more than 150 papers on other wildlife species their ecology and distribution. CWS has also collaborated with many other wildlife research projects and conservations in Myanmar, Russia , Thailand and African countries. CWS continues to build on socio-ecological research to understand how wildlife can persist on anthropogenic landscapes across India.

31. WILDLIFE TOURISM Wildlife tourism  is an element of many nations' travel industry centered around observation and interaction with local animal and plant life in their natural habitats. While it can include eco and animal-friendly tourism,  safari hunting  and similar high-intervention activities also fall under the umbrella of wildlife tourism.  Wildlife tourism is interacting with  wild animals  in their natural  habitat, either actively (e.g. hunting/collection) or passively (e.g. watching/photography). Wildlife tourism is an important part of the tourism industries in many countries including many African and South-American countries, Australia, India, Canada, Indonesia, Bangladesh,  Malaysia, Sri-Lanka and Maldives among many.

32. It has experienced a dramatic and rapid growth in recent years worldwide and many elements are closely aligned to eco-tourism and sustainable tourism. Wildlife tourism mostly encompasses non-consumptive interactions with wildlife, such as observing and photographing animals in their natural habitats .  It also includes viewing of and interacting with captive animals in zoos or wildlife parks, and can also include animal-riding (e.g. elephant riding) and consumptive activities such as fishing and hunting, which will generally not come under the definition of ecotourism and may compromise animal welfare. It has the recreational aspects of adventure travel, and usually supports the values of ecotourism and nature conservation programs .

33. POSITIVE IMPACTS OF WILDLIFE TOURISM Habitat restoration by eco-lodges and other tourism operations Many owners of eco-accommodation or wildlife attractions preserve and restore native habitats on their properties. In a large way, the tourists and travelers visiting the wildlife destinations contribute to the conservation and improvement of the conditions for the animals. The flow of the people keeps the poachers at bay from killing the valuable animals. The local tribes have a decent living as the tourism flourishes as it provides opportunities of improved livelihood . Conservation breeding Many wildlife parks (e.g. David Fleay Wildlife Park, Gold Coast, Australia) and zoos breed rare and endangered species as a part of their activities, and release the progeny when possible into suitable habitat .

34. Quality interpretation A good wildlife guide will impart a deeper understanding of the local wildlife and its ecological needs, which may give visitors a more informed base on which to subsequently modify their behaviour (e.g. not throw out plastic bags that may be eaten by turtles) and decide what political moves to support . Financial donations Some wildlife tourism contributes monetary donations to conservation efforts e.g. Dreamworld, Gold Coast, has a display of Sumatran tigers, and money from visitor donations and from their 'tiger walk' goes to Sumatra to assist in-situ conservation of wild tigers.

35. NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES: Wildlife tourism can cause significant disturbances to animals in their natural habitats. Even among the tourism practices which boast minimal-to-no direct contact with wildlife, the growing interest in traveling to developing countries has created a boom in resort and hotel construction, particularly on rain forest and mangrove forest lands. Direct impact The impacts wildlife tourism will have on wildlife depends on the scale of tourist development and the behavior and resilience of wildlife to the presence of humans. When tourists activities occur during sensitive times of the life cycle (for example, during nesting season) When they involve close approaches to wildlife for the purpose of identification or photography, the potential for disturbance is high. Not all species appear to be disturbed by tourists even within heavily visited areas Increased vulnerability to predators and competitors The viewing of certain species by wildlife tourists makes the species more vulnerable to predators. Evidence of this phenomenon has been recorded in birds, reptiles and mammals.