Translocation of Tigers

Why in News

Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Tiger State’ of India, has announced the translocation of 15 tigers to neighboring states (Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha), to address overpopulation in its tiger reserves and support tiger population recovery in these states. The translocation will involve six tigresses and two tigers being sent to Chhattisgarh, four tigresses to Rajasthan, and two tigresses and one tiger to Odisha. The decision highlights India’s efforts under Project Tiger to ensure balanced tiger populations, enhance genetic diversity, and reduce territorial conflicts in high-density reserves like Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of its apex predator species.

Relevance for UPSC

  • GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology (Conservation efforts, Biodiversity, Project Tiger)
  • GS Paper I: Geography (Human-wildlife interactions, protected areas)

Environmental and Ecological Perspectives

Importance of Tiger Conservation

  1. Indicator Species: Tigers are apex predators and indicator species, reflecting the health of forest ecosystems.
  2. Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting tigers ensures the survival of prey species and the balance of ecosystems.
  3. Habitat Restoration: The translocation ensures population distribution across suitable habitats, preventing overpopulation in reserves and resource depletion.

Reasons for Translocation of tigers

  1. Overpopulation in Madhya Pradesh Reserves: Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha have high tiger populations, leading to territorial conflicts.
  2. Restocking Depleted Populations: States like Odisha and Chhattisgarh have low tiger populations, and translocation helps restore ecological balance.
  3. Strengthening Genetic Diversity: Relocating tigers prevents inbreeding and enhances genetic variability across tiger populations.

Ecological Challenges of Translocation of tigers

  1. Stress on Tigers: Capturing and relocating big cats can lead to stress, injuries, or behavioral changes.
  2. Prey Base and Habitat Availability: Relocated tigers need abundant prey and suitable forest cover in their new habitats.
  3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Translocated tigers may move to nearby human settlements, increasing conflict risks.
  4. Survival Adaptation: The survival of tigers depends on their ability to adapt to the new environment, which may vary.

Geographical Perspective

Source and Destination Reserves

  1. Madhya Pradesh (Source):
    • Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha Tiger Reserves: Rich in biodiversity and part of central India’s landscape, known as the ‘Tiger State.’
  2. Rajasthan (Destination):
    • Likely translocation to reserves like Ranthambore or Sariska, where tiger populations are growing but need genetic diversity.
  3. Chhattisgarh (Destination):
    • Likely to reserves like Udanti-Sitanadi or Achanakmar, with sparse tiger populations.
  4. Odisha (Destination):
    • Likely translocation to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, where tiger population revival efforts have faced challenges.

Geographical Concerns

  • Corridor Connectivity: Ensuring tiger migration corridors are intact to prevent genetic isolation.
  • Landscape-Based Approach: Assessing the ecological capacity of landscapes to support additional tigers.
  • Climate and Terrain: Tigers from central India might face challenges in adapting to slightly different climatic and geographical conditions in new locations.

Significance for Conservation

  1. Project Tiger Goals: Supports the broader goals of Project Tiger by redistributing populations for better ecological balance.
  2. Tiger Census and India’s Leadership: Enhances India’s efforts as a global leader in tiger conservation.
  3. Meeting Global Targets: Aligns with international conservation frameworks like the Global Tiger Recovery Program.
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