Project Tiger 2.0: Focus Shifts to Genetic Diversity and Corridors
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has launched 'Project Tiger 2.0', a significant evolution in India's tiger conservation strategy. This new phase, initiated over 50 years after the original project, shifts focus from merely increasing tiger numbers to ensuring the long-term genetic diversity and habitat connectivity of the species across various reserves. It will employ advanced genomic tools and active management, including translocations, to combat inbreeding and strengthen ecological corridors for sustainable tiger populations.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Project Tiger 2.0 is the successor to the original Project Tiger, launched over 50 years ago in 1973.
- It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under MoEFCC.
- The primary focus has shifted from solely increasing tiger numbers to enhancing genetic diversity and habitat connectivity.
- Advanced genomic tools will be utilized for monitoring tiger population health and genetic flow.
- Active management strategies, including the translocation of tigers, are integral to maintaining genetic viability.
- The project aims to restore and strengthen wildlife corridors between fragmented tiger habitats.
- It directly addresses the critical issue of inbreeding depression in isolated tiger reserves, which threatens long-term survival.
- This initiative reflects an evolving understanding of conservation science, moving towards ecological resilience and adaptive capacity.
- The project aligns with India's commitment to the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and the Tx2 goal.
Why In News
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently unveiled 'Project Tiger 2.0', marking a strategic evolution in India's tiger conservation efforts. This new phase, launched over 50 years after the original Project Tiger, signifies a critical shift from mere population growth to ensuring the long-term genetic viability and ecological resilience of the species. The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over habitat fragmentation and inbreeding risks in isolated tiger populations across various reserves.
Syllabus Connection
This news connects to the broader themes of biodiversity conservation, species management strategies, and the role of genetic diversity in ecosystem health, which are crucial for understanding sustainable development and environmental policy.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| What is Project Tiger 2.0? | New phase of tiger conservation, focusing on genetic diversity and corridors. | Discuss its strategic shift from population count to genetic viability and ecosystem resilience. |
| When was it launched? | Launched over 50 years after original Project Tiger (1973). | Contextualize its launch within India's long-term conservation journey and evolving challenges. |
| Key focus areas? | Genetic diversity, habitat connectivity, genomic tools, active management. | Analyze how these areas address modern conservation challenges like inbreeding and fragmentation. |
| Implementing body? | National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). | Explain NTCA's mandate and its role in national wildlife policy formulation and implementation. |
| Why is it significant? | Ensures long-term survival, prevents inbreeding, strengthens ecological corridors. | Evaluate its potential impact on India's biodiversity goals and global conservation leadership. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
Key Facts to Remember: Project Tiger 2.0: Focus Shifts to Genetic Diversity and Corridors
- Project Tiger 2.0 is the successor to the original Project Tiger, launched over 50 years ago in 1973.
- It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under MoEFCC.
- The primary focus has shifted from solely increasing tiger numbers to enhancing genetic diversity and habitat connectivity.
- Advanced genomic tools will be utilized for monitoring tiger population health and genetic flow.
- Active management strategies, including the translocation of tigers, are integral to maintaining genetic viability.
- The project aims to restore and strengthen wildlife corridors between fragmented tiger habitats.
- It directly addresses the critical issue of inbreeding depression in isolated tiger reserves, which threatens long-term survival.
- This initiative reflects an evolving understanding of conservation science, moving towards ecological resilience and adaptive capacity.
- The project aligns with India's commitment to the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and the Tx2 goal.
Practice Questions
Q1. Project Tiger 2.0, recently launched by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), primarily focuses on which of the following aspects?
- (A) Increasing the number of tiger reserves in India.
- (B) Enhancing genetic diversity and habitat connectivity.
- (C) Promoting eco-tourism in tiger habitats.
- (D) Eradicating human-wildlife conflict near reserves.
Explanation: Project Tiger 2.0 marks a strategic shift from the original focus on population growth to ensuring the long-term survival of tigers by prioritizing genetic diversity and the restoration of wildlife corridors. While other options are related to conservation, they are not the primary focus of this new phase.
Q2. Which governmental body is responsible for the implementation and oversight of Project Tiger 2.0?
- (A) Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- (B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- (C) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- (D) Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
Explanation: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, mandated for the management of Project Tiger and the country's tiger reserves. It is the nodal agency for implementing Project Tiger 2.0.
Q3. What is a key challenge that Project Tiger 2.0 aims to address through strategies like active management and genetic monitoring?
- (A) Poaching of tigers for illegal wildlife trade.
- (B) Lack of funding for conservation initiatives.
- (C) Inbreeding and loss of genetic viability in isolated populations.
- (D) Insufficient public awareness about tiger conservation.
Explanation: Project Tiger 2.0 specifically targets the long-term survival challenges faced by tigers, particularly the risks of inbreeding and reduced genetic viability in fragmented and isolated populations. Active management, including translocation, is designed to counter these genetic threats.
Q4. The original Project Tiger was launched in which year?
- (A) 1972
- (B) 1973
- (C) 1982
- (D) 1986
Explanation: The landmark Project Tiger was launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect the Bengal tiger. This initiative led to the establishment of numerous tiger reserves and significantly contributed to the recovery of tiger populations in India.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a primary component of the 'active management' strategies under Project Tiger 2.0?
- (A) Translocation of tigers between reserves.
- (B) Use of advanced genomic tools for population monitoring.
- (C) Habitat enrichment and prey base augmentation.
- (D) Construction of artificial water holes in all reserves.
Explanation: While habitat enrichment and prey base augmentation are crucial for tiger conservation, the specific 'active management' strategies highlighted for Project Tiger 2.0 primarily involve translocation and the use of genomic tools to manage genetic flow and prevent inbreeding. Construction of artificial water holes is a general habitat management practice, not a primary component of the active management for genetic diversity focus of Project Tiger 2.0.
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