Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on April 9, to mark Project Tiger( 1973 ) completing 50 years earlier this month. The latest tiger census data for 2023 has been released, and its good news for tiger conservation efforts. The report reveals that there are now 3,167 tigers in the wild, a significant increase from previous years. This is a positive sign for the future of tiger populations. But there is still work to be done to ensure their continued growth and protection.
PM Modi also launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), which will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah — with membership of the range countries harbouring these species.
The PM also released the publications ‘Amrit kaal ka vision for tiger conservation’, summary report of 5th cycle of Management Effective Evaluation of Tiger Reserves, declare tiger numbers and release summary report of All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle).
A commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of ‘Project Tiger’ was also released.
Overview of the tiger census data for 2022:
The tiger census data for 2022 has been released, and it shows that there are now 3,167 tigers in the wild. This is a significant increase from previous years and is a positive sign for tiger conservation efforts. The report also reveals that India has the highest number of tigers, with 2,967 tigers in the wild. Other countries with significant tiger populations include Russia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. While the increase in tiger numbers is encouraging. But there is still work to be done to ensure their continued growth and protection.
Positive signs for tiger conservation:
The latest tiger census data for 2022 has revealed a positive trend in tiger conservation efforts. The number of tigers in the wild has increased to 3,167, which is a significant improvement from previous years. India has the highest number of tigers, with 2,967 in the wild, followed by Russia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. While this is a positive sign, there is still much work to be done to ensure the continued growth and protection of tiger populations. Conservation efforts must continue to address issues such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-tiger conflict.
Factors contributing to the increase in tiger populations:
The increase in tiger populations can be attributed to a number of factors, including improved conservation efforts, better protection of tiger habitats, and increased awareness and education about the importance of tiger conservation. In addition, some countries have implemented stricter laws and penalties for poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Which also helped to reduce the threat to tiger populations. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent animals.
Importance of continued conservation efforts:
While the increase in tiger populations is certainly a positive sign. It’s important to remember that the work of tiger conservation is far from over. Tigers still face a number of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Continued conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that tiger populations continue to grow and thrive. This includes protecting tiger habitats, cracking down on poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and educating the public about the importance of tiger conservation.
What is International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)?
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
It is a mega-global alliance that will work toward the protection and conservation of the seven major big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
IBCA Membership to the alliance will be open to 97 ‘range’ countries. This contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
The alliance’s purpose is to provide a platform for the dissemination of information on benchmarked practices, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, awareness creation, etc., on the protection and conservation of big cats.
Its major activities will include advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships between expert groups and finance tapping.
