#Environment
■ Ministry asks Maharashtra to address forced eviction concerns of 33 families in Tadoba-Andhari Reserve-
✅The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed the Maharashtra government to address complaints of “non-recognition of forest rights and forced eviction” raised by families living in Rantalodhi village inside the core area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
● Highlights:
Remarkable Growth in Tiger Population:
✅The tiger population in Manas National Park in western Assam tripled from 2011 to 2019.
✅According to a study published in the Journal of Biological Conservation, the population density of adult tigers increased from 1.06 tigers per 100 sq. km in 2011-2012 to 3.64 tigers per 100 sq. km in 2018-2019.
✅The park has the potential to further increase its tiger density, with the study suggesting it could rise to 8 tigers per 100 sq. km if conservation efforts continue effectively.
● Factors Behind the Growth:
✅Increased Funding and Improved Infrastructure: The turnaround in the park’s tiger population was supported by increased funding and improved protection infrastructure.
✅Larger and Better Trained Staff: The addition of more park staff, who were trained in better patrolling techniques, also played a critical role in the recovery.
✅Tourism Revenue: Tourism in the region provided a steady stream of revenue, which directly supported the park's management and conservation initiatives.
✅Collaborative Efforts: The success of the project was driven by the collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
● Role of Cross-Border Collaboration:
✅Manas National Park is part of a larger trans-boundary forest ecosystem that extends into Bhutan. This interconnected landscape played a vital role in providing a safe and expansive habitat for tigers.
✅Collaborative efforts between India and Bhutan, as well as the involvement of international conservation organizations like Panthera, were instrumental in facilitating effective tiger conservation.
● Support from International Agencies:
✅From 2015 to 2022, international agencies such as Panthera and the US Fish and Wildlife Services invested significant resources into conservation efforts at Manas.
✅These agencies worked alongside local communities and park authorities, focusing on reducing human dependency on the park’s resources through alternative livelihood programs.
✅The training of park staff in informed patrol tactics and working with the local communities to promote sustainable practices significantly reduced park entry by people dependent on natural resources.
● Challenges to Ongoing Conservation:
✅Despite the success, challenges like poaching and habitat loss remain persistent threats to the park’s tiger population.
✅As the tiger population grows and nears its carrying capacity, continuous management focus is necessary to ensure the survival of the species.
● Future Potential and Growth:
✅The study highlights that with continued conservation measures, the tiger population in Manas could continue to grow. If current trends persist, the number of tigers in the park could double by 2023.
✅In 2021, a total of 44 adult tigers were photographed in Manas, which further underscores the park’s potential to support a thriving tiger population.
● Contributions of Local and Grassroots Conservation:
✅The report emphasized the vital role of civil society organizations, grassroots conservation efforts, and tourism in the park’s recovery.
✅Retired forest officers and local conservation leaders also played a key role in spearheading the efforts.
● Prelims Takeaways:
✅UNESCO World Heritage Sites
✅Manas National Park
SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS
■ Ministry asks Maharashtra to address forced eviction concerns of 33 families in Tadoba-Andhari Reserve-
✅The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed the Maharashtra government to address complaints of “non-recognition of forest rights and forced eviction” raised by families living in Rantalodhi village inside the core area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
● Highlights:
Remarkable Growth in Tiger Population:
✅The tiger population in Manas National Park in western Assam tripled from 2011 to 2019.
✅According to a study published in the Journal of Biological Conservation, the population density of adult tigers increased from 1.06 tigers per 100 sq. km in 2011-2012 to 3.64 tigers per 100 sq. km in 2018-2019.
✅The park has the potential to further increase its tiger density, with the study suggesting it could rise to 8 tigers per 100 sq. km if conservation efforts continue effectively.
● Factors Behind the Growth:
✅Increased Funding and Improved Infrastructure: The turnaround in the park’s tiger population was supported by increased funding and improved protection infrastructure.
✅Larger and Better Trained Staff: The addition of more park staff, who were trained in better patrolling techniques, also played a critical role in the recovery.
✅Tourism Revenue: Tourism in the region provided a steady stream of revenue, which directly supported the park's management and conservation initiatives.
✅Collaborative Efforts: The success of the project was driven by the collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
● Role of Cross-Border Collaboration:
✅Manas National Park is part of a larger trans-boundary forest ecosystem that extends into Bhutan. This interconnected landscape played a vital role in providing a safe and expansive habitat for tigers.
✅Collaborative efforts between India and Bhutan, as well as the involvement of international conservation organizations like Panthera, were instrumental in facilitating effective tiger conservation.
● Support from International Agencies:
✅From 2015 to 2022, international agencies such as Panthera and the US Fish and Wildlife Services invested significant resources into conservation efforts at Manas.
✅These agencies worked alongside local communities and park authorities, focusing on reducing human dependency on the park’s resources through alternative livelihood programs.
✅The training of park staff in informed patrol tactics and working with the local communities to promote sustainable practices significantly reduced park entry by people dependent on natural resources.
● Challenges to Ongoing Conservation:
✅Despite the success, challenges like poaching and habitat loss remain persistent threats to the park’s tiger population.
✅As the tiger population grows and nears its carrying capacity, continuous management focus is necessary to ensure the survival of the species.
● Future Potential and Growth:
✅The study highlights that with continued conservation measures, the tiger population in Manas could continue to grow. If current trends persist, the number of tigers in the park could double by 2023.
✅In 2021, a total of 44 adult tigers were photographed in Manas, which further underscores the park’s potential to support a thriving tiger population.
● Contributions of Local and Grassroots Conservation:
✅The report emphasized the vital role of civil society organizations, grassroots conservation efforts, and tourism in the park’s recovery.
✅Retired forest officers and local conservation leaders also played a key role in spearheading the efforts.
● Prelims Takeaways:
✅UNESCO World Heritage Sites
✅Manas National Park
SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS