Tiger Population In India

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Context

Recently, the Union Government released data pertaining to tiger census, 2022 according to which tiger population has surpassed 3000.

2022 Census Findings

As per 2022 Census, tiger population stands at 3167, though there are still some chances of correction.
There were 2,967 tigers recorded in 2018, and 2,226 in 2014.

Western Ghats decline

The tiger population has grown the most in the areas of Shivalik hills and Gangetic flood plains, followed by central Indian region, the north eastern hills, the Brahmaputra flood plains, and the Sundarbans.
There was a significant decline in the Western Ghats numbers, although “major populations” were said to be stable.

Population Estimation

The tiger numbers are estimated by adding tigers caught in camera traps, as well as those that may not have been captured in above way. The latter are estimated by statistical techniques.
In their four-year estimates, the scientists provide a range of the estimated tiger population, and the mean value is highlighted as the latest tiger population. For instance, in 2018, the tiger population was a minimum of 2,603 and a maximum 3,346 with a mean value of 2,967.
Since 1973, when Project Tiger was established, the number of dedicated tiger reserves has grown from nine reserves covering 18,278 square km to 53 reserves spanning 75,796 square km, which is roughly 2.3% of India’s land area.
However, experts have said that most of the country’s tigers are focused within a handful of reserves which are fast approaching their peak carrying capacity, and unless new regions are developed as reserves, it may be a challenge to ensure further growth in numbers.

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Project Tiger: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/project-tiger-6

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Discuss the importance of tiger conservation for a sustainable ecosystem. How far India has been successful in this context? (250 words)