In News:

A major global study published in PLOS Biology (March 2025) has reaffirmed that targeted species-specific conservation measures are critical in reversing biodiversity loss and preventing extinctions. Despite the ongoing biodiversity crisis, where six times more species are declining than improving, the study found that where conservation efforts were applied, results were overwhelmingly positive.

Analyzing over 67,000 animal species from the IUCN Red List, researchers from institutions including the University of Cambridge, IUCN, and BirdLife International discovered that 99.3% of species that improved in threat status since 1980 had benefitted from conservation interventions, such as habitat protection, reintroduction, breeding programmes, and legal protections. Of the 969 species with globally increasing populations, 78.3% were under active conservation.

Notable global success stories include:

• Iberian Lynx: Rebounded from a few hundred to several thousand through breeding and habitat restoration.
• K?k?p? (New Zealand parrot): Revived via intensive monitoring and predator control.
• European Bison: Successfully reintroduced in Eastern Europe after extinction in the wild.
• Marine species such as humpback and blue whales also recovered after international moratoriums on whaling.

Island ecosystems like New Zealand, Mauritius, and the Seychelles showed the highest concentration of species recovery, while decline hotspots included the Tropical Andes, Sumatra, Malaysia, and Borneo.

Despite these successes, the study cautions that since 1980, 1,220 species of birds, mammals, and amphibians have deteriorated in Red List status compared to only 201 species that improved.

Causes include habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, climate change, invasive species, and disease.The study called for landscape-scale conservation and ambitious implementation of Goal A of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to halt extinction risk and restore resilient populations.

India’s Species-Specific Conservation Efforts

India has adopted a multi-pronged species-specific conservation approach, primarily under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH), 2008, which continues under the 15th Finance Commission (2021–26). The scheme focuses on critically endangered species through captive breeding, habitat restoration, and community participation.

Key initiatives include:

• Species Recovery Programme: Prioritizes 22 species (16 terrestrial and 6 aquatic) for focused conservation.
• Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992): Flagship conservation efforts for apex species.
• Project Crocodile: Initiated post-Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, supported by the UN. Saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika increased from 95 (1975) to 1,811.
• Sea Turtle Conservation Project (1999): Focuses on Olive Ridley Turtles, listed as Vulnerable (IUCN), Schedule I (WLPA), and Appendix I (CITES).
• Vulture Action Plan 2020–25: Aims to eliminate diclofenac use and protect food sources for vultures. India's first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC) was set up in Pinjore, Haryana.
• Indian Rhino Vision 2020: Increased the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros population in Kaziranga National Park to over 2,600 (2022).
• Project Cheetah (2022): Reintroduces cheetahs extinct in India since 1952, with cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa released in Kuno National Park. India saw its first wild cheetah birth in 2023 after 75 years.
• Maharashtra’s Pangolin Action Plan: The first dedicated plan for pangolin conservation. Pangolins are listed under Schedule I of the WLPA, receiving the highest level of protection.