In News:

During Wildlife Week 2025 (October 2–8), the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched five major species conservation and conflict management initiatives at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. The initiatives aim to reinforce India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation while addressing the growing challenge of human–wildlife conflict amid rapid development.

The Five Initiatives

1. Project Dolphin (Phase II)
2. Project Sloth Bear
3. Project Gharial
4. Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE–HWC)
5. Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR)

In addition, four national-level action plans and field guides were unveiled to support species monitoring and population assessment of river dolphins, tigers, snow leopards, Great Indian Bustard, and Lesser Florican.

1. Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) Project

Overview

• A new national-level initiative by the MoEFCC and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• Implementation period: 2025–2028
• Budget: ?88.7 crore
• Coordination: Centrally by NTCA; executed by State Forest Departments.

Objectives

• Reduce human–tiger conflict in non-reserve areas.
• Ensure safe coexistence between communities and tigers dispersing beyond reserves due to population recovery and habitat fragmentation.
• Promote a landscape-level conservation approach integrating ecological, social, and livelihood priorities.

Geographical Coverage

• Encompasses 80 forest divisions across 17 tiger-range states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, andArunachal Pradesh.
• Focuses on corridors and buffer areas adjoining major tiger reserves.

Key Features

• Technology & Monitoring:Use of AI-based early warning systems, drones, camera traps, GPS-enabled patrolling, andMSTrIPES app for real-time tracking.
• Community Participation:
  • Establishment of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) equipped with tranquilization gear, rescue tools, and vehicles.
  • Launch of “Bagh Mitra” (Tiger Friends)programmes and student jungle camps to foster coexistence.
• Institutional Framework:
  • NTCA to oversee implementation; Chief Wildlife Wardens and State CAMPA authorities to manage funds and on-ground execution.

Significance

• India hosts 70% of the global tiger population — 3,682 as of 2022.
• Around 35–40% (1,325 tigers) now live outside protected areas, increasing the frequency of human–tiger encounters.
• The TOTR project seeks to balance conservation with human safety through modern technology, community outreach, and continuous monitoring.

Project Dolphin (Phase II)

• Focuses on conserving river and marine cetaceans, including the endangered Ganga River Dolphin and Indus Dolphin.
• Aims to enhance habitat protection, improve water quality in river ecosystems, and strengthen anti-poaching measures.
• Encourages local community participation and awareness through riverine eco-tourism and citizen science initiatives.

Project Sloth Bear

• India’s first national framework for the conservation of sloth bears, a species threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict.
• Focus areas include:
  • Habitat restoration and connectivity,
  • Mitigation of bear–human conflict,
  • Establishment of rescue and rehabilitation centres, and
  • Awareness campaigns for community coexistence.

Project Gharial

• Aims to revive populations of the critically endangered gharial in Indian rivers like the Chambal and Gandak.
• Measures include nest protection, captive breeding, river habitat restoration, and monitoring through telemetry.
• Seeks to strengthen coordination among state wildlife departments, river authorities, andlocal communities.

Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE–HWC)

• Location:Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore.
• Purpose:
  • To serve as a national research and policy hub for addressing human–wildlife conflicts.
  • Develop AI-based conflict prediction models, design field-level mitigation tools, and train forest officials and local communities.

Why is it in the News?

The Supreme Court on Wednesday condemned the illegal felling of over 6,000 trees to construct buildings, ostensibly for “eco-tourism” at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, as a “classic case” of nexus between politicians and officials working to ransack the environment for short-term commercial ends.

News Summary:

• In 2023, a series of applications brought attention to the creation of alleged illegal buildings and encroachment on water bodies, prompting court intervention.
• Petitioners highlighted violations of environmental norms and encroachment into core wildlife habitats.
• Evidence presented during proceedings revealed unauthorized constructions within the national park, including concrete and iron enclosures purportedly intended for a 'safari' experience.
• Moreover, it was disclosed that over 6,000 trees had been felled in the national park under the pretext of safari development.

Supreme Court’s Observations:

• The Court has raised concerns regarding the necessity of developing facilities within natural forest environments, particularly in areas designated for the protection of endangered species like tigers.
• Directing the Government to establish a committee, the Supreme Court seeks recommendations on whether tiger safaris should be permitted in buffer or fringe areas and what guidelines should govern their establishment if allowed.
• Additionally, the Court has strongly criticized the illegal constructions and extensive tree felling in Uttarakhand's Corbett National Park.

What are the Core and Buffer Areas in Tiger Reserves?

• As per the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act of 2006, a Tiger Reserve comprises core or critical habitat and a buffer zone surrounding it.
• Core areas hold the legal status of a National Park or a Sanctuary.
• Buffer zones consist of a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple-use area.
• The buffer area acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the impact of poaching pressure on tiger and other wildlife populations.

About Jim Corbett National Park:

• Location: Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity.

Key Facts:

• Established in 1935, it is India’s oldest national park.
• Initially named Hailey National Park after its founder Sir Malcolm Hailey, it was renamed Corbett National Park in 1956 to honor Jim Corbett's contributions to wildlife preservation in India.
• Corbett National Park boasts the highest population of tigers in India, highlighting its importance for tiger conservation efforts.
• Flora: Dominated by Sal, Semal, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, Dhak, Khingan, Bakli, Bel, Ber, Bamboo, Khingam, Jamun, Kanju, Rohini, and Pula trees.
  • Sal, Khair, and Sissoo are prominently featured throughout the park.
• Fauna: Home to diverse wildlife including Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Hogg Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Langur, Wild pig, Rhesus Monkey, Jackal, Rabbit, Yellow Throated Martin, and Otters.
  • Various reptiles such as Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, Common Krait, Cobra, Russell's Viper, Rock Python, and Monitor Lizard inhabit the park.
• The Kosi River feeds the eastern periphery of Corbett National Park.
• The Ramganga River (West) and its tributaries Sonanadi, Palain, and Mandal serve as significant hydrological resources for the park.