International Tiger Day: Spreading Awareness for Tiger Conservation
Introduction
International Tiger Day is an annual event observed on 29th July with the primary objective of creating global awareness for the conservation of tigers and safeguarding their endangered species. The day originated in 2010 in Petersburg, Russia, when 13 tiger range countries united to support the Tx2 strategy, aiming to double the number of wild tigers by 2022. On 29th July 2023, a comprehensive report on tiger conservation was released by Union Minister of State Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey at the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
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| International Tiger Day celebrated on 29 July |
The Magnificent Tiger Population
India boasts a significant tiger population, estimated to be around 3925, with an annual growth rate of 6.1 percent. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh leads with the highest number of tigers, approximately 785, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Within specific tiger reserves, Corbett tops the chart with 260 tigers, followed by Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa (135), Mudumalai (114), Kanha (105), and Kaziranga (104). These figures are based on data collected by the Wildlife Institute of India from camera-trapped and non-camera-trapped areas, with an average tiger population of 3682 and an upper bound of 3925.
Remarkable Achievements in Tiger Conservation
In April 2023, on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger in Mysore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a minimum population of 3167 tigers. This marked a significant milestone for Project Tiger, which started with a meager 268 tigers in 1973. The ambitious initiative has come a long way in protecting and preserving the majestic big cats.
Management Effectiveness Evaluation Report
The 5th cycle of the Management Effectiveness Assessment Report of the Tiger Reserve was presented, evaluating the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Scores were aggregated for each of the 33 criteria/indicators across the 51 Tiger Reserves. The overall average score achieved was 78.01%, ranging between 50% and 94%. The highest-scoring tiger reserves were Periyar in Kerala, Satpura in Madhya Pradesh, and Bandipur and Nagarhole in Karnataka, securing the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th positions, respectively, in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE).
Conclusion
International Tiger Day serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need to protect these magnificent creatures from the threats they face. Through dedicated conservation efforts, we can ensure a brighter future for tigers and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystem. It is imperative that we come together as a global community to safeguard the natural heritage of these majestic big cats for generations to come.
FAQs
1. Why is International Tiger Day celebrated on 29th July?
International Tiger Day is observed on 29th July to raise awareness for tiger conservation and to highlight the importance of protecting these endangered species.
2. What was the main objective behind the creation of International Tiger Day?
The main objective of International Tiger Day is to promote global awareness for tiger conservation and to double the number of wild tigers by 2022 through the Tx2 strategy.
3. How many tigers are estimated to be in India?
India is estimated to have around 3925 tigers, making it an important country for tiger conservation efforts.
4. Which Indian state has the highest tiger population?
Madhya Pradesh has the largest population of tigers in India, with approximately 785 tigers.
5. Which tiger reserve scored the highest in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation Report?
Periyar in Kerala secured the highest position in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) Report, followed by Satpura in Madhya Pradesh and Bandipur and Nagarhole in Karnataka.
