Context:
In the 50 years of Project Tiger : India considers translocating a few big cats to Cambodia India.
The Centre is considering translocating a few big cats to Cambodia.
Where the species have become extinct in the last decade.
Read also:- National Tiger Conservation Authority: Project Tiger
The Extinction of Tigers in Cambodia:
Cambodia has not seen any tigers since the last one was spotted on a camera trap in 2007.
The reason behind the disappearance of tigers from the Cambodian landscape is believed to be excessive poaching and loss of habitat.
In 2017, the country’s plan to reintroduce the big cat was announced by the Cambodian Prime Minister.
Which subsequently led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with India in November 2022.
Factors to Consider:
The translocation of tigers to Cambodia is under consideration, and a team from Cambodia has already visited India for negotiations.
The decision will be taken based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) protocol.
And many factors will be considered before taking the final decision.
India is being cautious and considering many factors before making a decision on whether to proceed with the translocation.
Including verifying whether the reasons for tiger disappearance in Cambodia have been addressed.
And whether they have the necessary facilities and infrastructure to support the tiger.
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About Project Tiger:
Launched in 1973 with 9 tiger reserves for conserving our national animal, the tiger spread over 18,278 sq km.
Today, there are 53 tiger reserves covering more than 75,000 sq km (approximately 2.4% of the country’s geographical area) across India.
The tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy.
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the MoEFCC providing central assistance to the tiger States for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body of the Ministry under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Tigers in India:
In order to aid tiger conservation, the compensation for voluntary village relocation has been enhanced from Rs 10 lakh per family to Rs 15 lakh.
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St. Petersburg Declaration:
The St. Petersburg Declaration on tiger conservation, which was signed by the governments of the 13 tiger range countries (TRCs) at the International Tiger. Conservation Forum held in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010, is a global commitment to doubling.
The number of wild tigers worldwide by 2022.
The declaration aims to promote a coordinated, comprehensive approach to tiger conservation across all 13 TRCs and to secure long-term funding for tiger conservation efforts.
13 Tiger range countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Read also:- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Conclusion:
The translocation of tigers to Cambodia could present an opportunity for India to extend.
Its conservation efforts beyond its borders and contribute to the reintroduction of the species in a country where it has become extinct.
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50 years of Project Tiger : India considers translocating a few big cats to Cambodia, 50 years of Project Tiger : India considers translocating a few big cats to Cambodia
