Understanding Project Tiger in India

This question asks about the starting year of Project Tiger in India. Project Tiger is a major wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India.

What is Project Tiger?

Project Tiger is a centrally sponsored scheme managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Its main goal is to conserve the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in India and protect its habitat.

The project aims to ensure a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats, preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage for the benefit of the people.

History and Launch of Project Tiger

The tiger population in India faced a severe decline in the 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. Recognizing this critical situation, the Indian government decided to take significant steps for tiger conservation.

Based on the recommendations of a special task force, Project Tiger was officially launched. The launch involved the establishment of tiger reserves in various parts of the country.

When Did Project Tiger Start?

Project Tiger was inaugurated on April 1, 1973. It was launched from the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh).

Initially, the project covered nine tiger reserves spanning an area of ${9}$,${115}$ square kilometers. Over the years, the number of tiger reserves and the area covered under the project have expanded significantly.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options:

1. 1992
2. 1979
3. 1982
4. 1973

Based on historical records and information about the launch of major conservation initiatives in India, Project Tiger commenced in 1973.

Key Milestones for Project Tiger

Conclusion

Project Tiger, a landmark conservation program aimed at protecting the national animal of India, the tiger, began in 1973. This makes the year 1973 the correct answer.

Revision Table: Project Tiger Facts

Additional Information on Tiger Conservation in India

Tiger conservation efforts in India have evolved significantly since the launch of Project Tiger. Key elements include:

• Habitat Protection: Protecting core tiger habitats and establishing buffer zones.
• Anti-Poaching Measures: Strengthening surveillance and law enforcement to combat illegal hunting.
• Relocation: Voluntary relocation of villages from core areas of tiger reserves to minimise human-animal conflict and provide undisturbed habitat.
• Corridor Management: Protecting and managing corridors that connect different tiger habitats, allowing for tiger movement.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of tiger populations using methods like camera trapping and pugmark analysis (historically).
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

These comprehensive strategies have helped in stabilizing and, in many areas, increasing the tiger population in India, making Project Tiger a globally recognized conservation success story.