Food for Tiger
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment and Biodiversity; GS2 – Government Schemes and Conservation Policies |
| Context |
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Background:
- India is home to over 70% of the world’s tigers and has been applauded globally for the steady increase in tiger numbers under the Project Tiger initiative. However, experts warn that increasing tiger populations without proportionate recovery of their habitats and prey species (like deer, wild boar, etc.) can trigger ecological imbalance. The recent tiger census highlights skewed growth across reserves, with some showing overcapacity while others remain underpopulated.
Core Issues in Tiger Conservation:
Imbalance Between Predator and Prey:
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Tiger numbers are rising, but herbivore populations (prey) are not growing proportionally in many reserves.
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Starved prey base forces tigers into conflict zones, triggering human-wildlife tensions.
Habitat Fragmentation and Stress:
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Linear infrastructure (roads, rails) and tourism-related development disrupt tiger corridors.
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Many tiger reserves lack adequate buffer zones to support dispersal of big cats.
Gaps in Conservation Strategy
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The current focus is predator-centric rather than ecosystem-centric.
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Overemphasis on flagship species (tigers) sidelines broader forest and wildlife conservation.
Institutional and Governance Challenges
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Poor inter-state coordination affects tiger migration corridors.
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Limited investment in scientific prey base regeneration and habitat management.
Way Forward:
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Shift from tiger-centric to ecosystem-centric models: Focus on prey density, water security, and vegetation regeneration.
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Restore and connect corridors: Prioritize landscape-level planning over isolated reserves.
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Invest in scientific prey base surveys: Make prey monitoring integral to tiger census efforts.
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Community engagement: Incentivize local communities in buffer zones for eco-tourism and anti-poaching efforts.
Focus Area Current Approach Recommended Shift Species Focus Tiger-centric Prey and habitat inclusive Monitoring Tools Camera trap census Prey density + vegetation mapping Conservation Model Reserve-based Corridor and landscape-level planning Community Role Passive involvement Active co-beneficiaries (eco-tourism) Funding Allocation Skewed toward predator surveillance Balanced between predator and ecosystem
| Practice Question: India’s tiger conservation model has been globally praised. But is it ecologically sustainable in the long run? Examine the need to realign conservation priorities to restore prey base and habitat integrity. (GS Paper 3 | 250 words | 15 marks) |
