ST.

NORBERT SCHOOL

AN ASSSESSMENT SUBMITTED TO
FULIFILL THE REQUIREMENT OF
SEMESTER-1 FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2024-25

GEOGRAPHY PROJECT

TOPIC: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

EFFORTS IN INDIA

SUBMITTED BY: GEO JOSEPH T.J

GRADE: 10A
ROLL NO.: 15
SUBMITTED TO: SR. EBINEZER
SUBMITTED ON: 15/OCTOBER/2024
 Acknowledgment
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who
contributed to this project on wildlife conservation efforts in India.
First and foremost, I am thankful for the dedication and hard work of
conservationists, researchers, and fieldworkers who tirelessly strive
to protect India’s rich biodiversity. Their passion and commitment
serve as a source of inspiration and knowledge.
I would also like to acknowledge the support of various organizations,
including the Wildlife Institute of India, the National Tiger
Conservation Authority, and numerous non-governmental
organizations that play a crucial role in wildlife protection and
advocacy. Their research, programs, and community engagement
initiatives have been instrumental in advancing conservation efforts.
I am especially grateful to my mentors and educators, who provided
valuable guidance and insights throughout this research. Their
encouragement helped me navigate complex topics and gain a
deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in wildlife
conservation.
Additionally, I appreciate the contributions of local communities,
whose traditional knowledge and active participation in conservation
practices are vital for sustainable outcomes. Their involvement
exemplifies the importance of integrating local perspectives into
broader conservation strategies.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the authors and researchers
whose works were referenced in this project. Their writings have
enriched my understanding and provided a solid foundation for this
study. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions to the field of
wildlife conservation in India.
 Index

1. Introduction
2. Historical Context of Wildlife Conservation in India
3. Key Wildlife Conservation Areas
4. Major Wildlife Species and Conservation Status
5. Government Initiatives and Policies
6. Role of NGOs and Community Participation
7. Challenges to Wildlife Conservation
8. Success Stories in Conservation
9. Conclusion
10. Bibliography
 Introduction
India is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting a remarkable array
of wildlife, including iconic species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos.
Covering only 2.4% of the Earth's land area, India accounts for about
7-8% of global biodiversity, thanks to its diverse ecosystems ranging
from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Despite this wealth of
natural heritage, rapid industrialization and urbanization have
threatened wildlife and their habitats significantly. This has prompted
urgent conservation efforts. Initiatives such as national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves have been established to protect
endangered species and preserve vital ecosystems. The Wildlife
Protection Act of 1972 laid the groundwork for legal protections,
addressing issues like poaching and habitat destruction.
This project will explore India's various wildlife conservation efforts,
focusing on historical context, key protected areas, significant
species, government policies, challenges, and success stories. By
examining these aspects, we can better understand the country's
ongoing journey toward sustainable wildlife conservation
.

Historical Context of Wildlife Conservation in India

Wildlife conservation in India has ancient roots, reflecting a deep
cultural reverence for nature. Many species were regarded as sacred,
leading to informal protection practices rooted in traditional beliefs.
Formal conservation efforts began during the British colonial period,
with the establishment of Hailey National Park (now Jim Corbett
National Park) in 1936. This marked India’s first national park, created
to safeguard the declining tiger population from overhunting.
Post-independence, India’s commitment to conservation grew
significantly. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 established legal
protections for endangered species and paved the way for a network
of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Project Tiger, launched in 1973, focused on protecting the Bengal
tiger and led to the creation of numerous reserves, emphasizing
habitat conservation and community involvement.
Subsequent initiatives, such as Project Elephant (1988), expanded
conservation efforts to other species and ecosystems. Recent trends
highlight the importance of engaging local communities in
conservation and recognizing their role in sustainable wildlife
protection.
Overall, the historical context of wildlife conservation in India reflects
a transition from ancient practices to modern, organized efforts
aimed at preserving the country’s rich biodiversity. This journey
underscores the need for an integrated approach that balances
ecological health with community livelihoods.

Key Wildlife Conservation Areas

 National Parks
India boasts over 100 national parks, each playing a vital role in
conserving diverse species. Notable parks include Jim Corbett
National Park, known for its tiger population, and Kaziranga National
Park, famous for its one-horned rhinoceros.
 Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wildlife sanctuaries serve as safe havens for various species. They
often focus on protecting specific habitats and vulnerable species.
For instance, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is crucial for migratory birds.
 Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves, like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, aim to balance
conservation with sustainable development, fostering biodiversity
while supporting local communities.

Major Wildlife Species and Conservation Status

 Tigers
The Bengal tiger, India’s national animal, has been a focal point of
conservation efforts. Project Tiger, launched in 1973, has successfully
increased the tiger population through habitat protection and anti-
poaching measures.
 Elephants
Indian elephants are facing habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife
conflict. Initiatives like the Elephant Reserves and the establishment
of elephant corridors aim to mitigate these issues.
 Rhinos
Kaziranga National Park has made significant progress in rhino
conservation, employing strict anti-poaching measures and habitat
management to boost their numbers.

Government Initiatives and Policies

The Indian government has established several key initiatives to
support wildlife conservation. The ‘Wildlife Protection Act of 1972’
provides essential legal protections for endangered species and
outlines penalties for poaching and habitat destruction.
The ‘National Wildlife Action Plan’ (NWAP) serves as a strategic
framework for conservation, emphasizing community involvement
and habitat preservation. Key initiatives like ‘Project Tiger’ (1973)
focus on protecting the Bengal tiger through habitat conservation
and anti-poaching efforts, while ‘Project Elephant’ (1988) aims to
safeguard elephant habitats and reduce conflicts with humans.
Biosphere Reserves are also important, as they balance ecological
conservation with local community needs. The ‘Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change’ plays a vital role in
coordinating these efforts, working with various stakeholders to
ensure effective conservation practices.
These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to preserving India's
rich wildlife and promoting sustainable development.

Role of NGOs and Community Participation

NGOs play a crucial role in wildlife conservation in India by
advocating for policy changes, conducting research, and
implementing on-the-ground projects. Organizations like the ‘Wildlife
Trust of India’ and ‘WWF India’ work closely with local communities
to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about
conservation issues.
Community participation is vital for successful conservation efforts.
Programs that involve local populations in decision-making and
resource management foster a sense of ownership and responsibility
toward wildlife. This collaborative approach not only enhances
conservation outcomes but also improves livelihoods, demonstrating
the interdependence of communities and nature.

Challenges to Wildlife Conservation

 Habitat Loss
Urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development have led to
significant habitat loss, posing a major threat to wildlife.
  Poaching and Illegal Trade
Poaching remains a critical challenge, driven by demand for wildlife
products. Increased surveillance and stricter penalties are necessary
to combat this issue.
 Climate Change
Climate change impacts ecosystems and wildlife, making it crucial to
integrate climate resilience into conservation strategies.

Success Stories in Conservation

India has seen notable success in wildlife conservation through
various initiatives. The resurgence of the Bengal tiger population,
primarily due to ‘Project Tiger’, is a prime example, with numbers
increasing significantly since its launch in 1973.
Similarly, the efforts in ‘Kaziranga National Park’ have led to the
successful protection of the one-horned rhinoceros, thanks to
stringent anti-poaching measures and habitat management.
Community engagement programs in areas like the ‘Western Ghats’
have also demonstrated positive outcomes, where local involvement
has enhanced conservation efforts and protected biodiversity.
These success stories highlight the effectiveness of targeted
conservation strategies and community participation in preserving
India's rich wildlife heritage

Conclusion
Wildlife conservation in India is a vital effort that encompasses
ecological, cultural, and economic aspects. The country's rich
biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance and
supporting local livelihoods. While notable progress has been made
through the establishment of protected areas and community
engagement, challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate
change persist and require ongoing attention.
Involving local communities in conservation efforts has shown to be
effective, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Success
stories, like the resurgence of the Bengal tiger and the protection of
the one-horned rhinoceros, illustrate the potential of focused
conservation initiatives.
Moving forward, collaboration among government agencies, NGOs,
and local populations is crucial. By emphasizing sustainable practices
and integrating climate resilience into conservation strategies, India
can work towards safeguarding its unique ecosystems.
In summary, the journey of wildlife conservation in India is ongoing,
and with commitment and cooperation, we can create a sustainable
future for the country's wildlife and natural heritage. The challenges
may be significant, but the potential for success remains bright.

Bibliography
 Books:
- Krishnan, M. (2018). ‘The Book of Indian Tigers’. New Delhi:
Wildlife Trust of India.
- Choudhury, A. (2020). Conservation in India: The Challenges
Ahead’. Oxford University Press.
 Websites:
- https://wii.gov.in
- https://www.ntca.gov.in
- https://www.wwfindia.org
- https://www.wikipedia.org
  Reports:
- Government of India. (2021). National Wildlife Action Plan.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- TRAFFIC India. (2022). Wildlife Trade Monitoring Reports.