Article 1: Human–Wildlife Coexistence
Why in News: The success and challenges of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve highlight the need for community-based conservation and human–wildlife coexistence in India.
Key Details
- Tadoba has around 100 tigers and is among India’s most successful tiger reserves.
- It faces significant human–tiger conflict, with ~10 human deaths annually.
- The Forest Department ensures quick compensation and local livelihood integration.
- Tourism revenue (~₹40 crore annually) is partly shared with local communities.
Tiger Conservation in India
- Project Tiger (1973): Launched to protect declining tiger populations, it now covers 58 tiger reserves across India, making India home to nearly 75% of the world’s wild tigers (All India Tiger Estimation).
- Rising Tiger Population: India’s tiger population reached 3,167 (2022 estimate), reflecting successful conservation, but also increasing pressure on habitats and human settlements.
- Tadoba as a Model Reserve: Tadoba’s rising tiger density indicates ecological success, but also necessitates better management of dispersal and territorial expansion.
- Constitutional & Legal Framework: Wildlife protection is governed by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and supported by Article 48A and Article 51A(g) promoting environmental protection.
Human–Wildlife Conflict: A Growing Challenge
- Nature of Conflict: Expansion of tiger populations beyond core areas leads to attacks on humans and livestock, especially in buffer zones with human habitation.
- Tadoba Case Study: Around 45 tiger-related deaths annually in Chandrapur district highlight the severity of conflict despite conservation success.
- Economic and Social Impact: Loss of life, cattle deaths, and crop damage create fear, resentment, and livelihood insecurity among local communities.
- Pan-India Scenario: Similar conflicts are seen in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and other reserves, leading to protests and tourism disruptions.
Community Participation in Conservation
- Stakeholder-Based Approach: Successful conservation depends on active involvement of local communities, as forests and wildlife directly impact their lives.
- Livelihood Integration: In Tadoba, locals are employed as safari guides, forest staff, and eco-tourism workers, ensuring economic incentives for conservation.
- Revenue Sharing Model: A portion of tourism revenue (₹40 crore annually) is redistributed, promoting inclusive growth and reducing hostility.
- Forest-Based Livelihoods: Activities like honey and amla collection and zero-waste initiatives empower communities, especially women.
Role of Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development
- Eco-Tourism as a Tool: Tourism generates employment and awareness, making conservation economically viable for local populations.
- Diversification of Tourism: Tadoba is expanding into agro-tourism, stargazing, cycling, and biodiversity-based tourism, reducing dependence solely on tiger sightings.
- Sustainable Practices: Initiatives like plastic-free tourism, water bottling plants, and waste management systems promote environmental sustainability.
- Balancing Conservation and Tourism: Regulated tourism ensures that ecological integrity is maintained while providing economic benefits.
Conservation Strategies: Core–Buffer Model
- Core Area Protection: Strictly protected zones (e.g., 625 sq km in Tadoba) ensure undisturbed habitat for wildlife, with voluntary relocation of villages.
- Buffer Zone Management: Buffer zones allow controlled human activity, balancing conservation with livelihood needs.
- Landscape-Level Conservation: Wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity are essential for safe tiger dispersal and reducing conflict.
- Policy Framework: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) promotes scientific management and monitoring of tiger reserves.
Issues in Current Conservation Model
- Artificial Interventions: Excessive use of waterholes and prey augmentation may distort natural ecosystems and increase predator density.
- Conflict Compensation Delays: While Tadoba performs well, many regions face delays in compensation, reducing trust in authorities.
- Restricted Forest Access: Limits on collection of minor forest produce (like mahua) create livelihood concerns for tribal communities.
- Carrying Capacity Concerns: Rising tourism may lead to ecological stress if not properly regulated.
Coexistence Model: Tadoba’s Lessons
- Compensation Mechanism: Quick and fair compensation builds trust between locals and administration, reducing conflict intensity.
- Decentralised Governance: Financial decentralisation ensures that benefits reach grassroots levels, improving acceptance of conservation policies.
- Win–Win Strategy: Combining conservation with livelihood generation creates a mutually beneficial system.
- Behavioural Acceptance: Locals increasingly accept trade-offs (restricted access vs stable income), showing social adaptation to conservation goals.
Conclusion
India must adopt a coexistence-based conservation model that balances ecological sustainability with human welfare. Strengthening community participation, improving compensation systems, promoting sustainable eco-tourism, and ensuring scientific management are key. Tadoba demonstrates that conservation cannot succeed without compromise and cooperation, making it a replicable model for India’s biodiversity governance.
EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE
Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to Project Tiger, consider the following statements:
- It was launched in 1973.
- It is implemented by NTCA.
- India hosts the largest tiger population in the world.
Which of the above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d
Descriptive Question
Q. “Human–wildlife conflict is a major challenge to biodiversity conservation in India.” Discuss with reference to tiger reserves like Tadoba. (150 Words, 10 Marks)