SAHYADRI TIGER RESERVE
1. Context
To bolster the tiger population in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR), the only tiger reserve in Maharashtra's western region, the state's forest department plans to conduct tiger translocations from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) located in Chandrapur district. However, experts emphasize that the success of this initiative hinges on ensuring the security and minimization of human disturbances within the Sahyadri-Konkan wildlife corridor, encompassing forests across STR, Goa, and Karnataka.
2. About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is situated in the state of Maharashtra, primarily covering parts of the Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts. It is nestled within the lush and biodiverse Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich flora and fauna.
- The reserve was formally notified as the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in 2008, with the primary objective of conserving the critically endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat. It was formed by amalgamating several existing protected areas, including wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
- The total area of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is approximately 1,165 square kilometres, making it one of the significant tiger habitats in the Western Ghats region. It encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from dense forests and grasslands to rivers and streams.
- The reserve is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, harbouring a wide array of plant and animal species. The dense forests of the Western Ghats are home to an abundance of flora, including endemic species and rare medicinal plants. As for fauna, besides the iconic Bengal tiger, the reserve supports populations of leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and various species of primates, birds, and reptiles.
- The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is actively involved in conservation efforts aimed at protecting its flagship species, particularly the Bengal tiger. Conservation measures include habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, community-based initiatives, and scientific research to monitor wildlife populations and ecological health.
- While conservation remains the primary focus, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve also promotes responsible nature-based tourism. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the reserve through guided safaris, nature trails, and eco-tourism activities, providing an immersive experience of the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
- Like many other protected areas, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve faces various challenges, including habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, illegal poaching, and encroachment. Efforts are underway to address these challenges through community participation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable conservation practices.
3. Reasons for the translocate of tigers to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
- The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR), established in January 2010 and spanning across Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri districts in western Maharashtra, has long struggled with a dwindling tiger population.
- Historical factors such as poaching, a diminished prey base, and habitat changes have impeded the natural growth of tiger numbers within the reserve, despite its creation.
- Even after its establishment, the reserve failed to attract breeding tigers, resulting in stagnant population levels.
- While there have been sporadic instances of tiger sightings within STR boundaries, substantiated evidence of sustained tiger presence has been scarce.
- Recognizing the need for intervention, Maharashtra's forest department has opted for a short-term solution: the translocation of tigers from forests located to the south of STR, particularly in Goa and Karnataka.
- This strategy aims to inject new genetic diversity into the STR tiger population and kick-start breeding efforts.
- However, the success of this endeavour hinges not only on the translocations themselves but also on the effective strengthening of the wildlife corridor connecting these regions.
- Although the long-term goal remains the establishment of a self-sustaining tiger population within STR, the immediate focus is on jump-starting population growth through translocations while concurrently addressing habitat and conservation challenges.
4. Is translocation the best approach for tiger recovery?
- Tiger translocation initiatives have been implemented in India since 2008, with varying degrees of success.
- While projects like those in Sariska Tiger Reserve (2008) and Panna Tiger Reserve (2009) have demonstrated successful tiger reintroductions, others, such as the effort in Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha, have faced significant challenges and setbacks.
- Translocation projects should be considered as a last resort, with careful consideration given to alternative strategies such as habitat improvement, prey augmentation, and corridor strengthening.
- The success of translocations relies heavily on the presence of robust tiger corridors, which facilitate dispersal and connectivity between populations.
- Strengthening and securing these corridors are essential for the long-term success and sustainability of translocation projects.
- The failure of the translocation project in Satkosia underscores the importance of effective community engagement and management.
- Poor management of community apprehensions and lack of consultation with local stakeholders led to violent protests and conflict following the reintroduction of tigers.
- Tragic incidents, including human fatalities and the death of translocated tigers, further exacerbated tensions.
- Effective communication and consultation with local communities are imperative to address concerns and garner support for translocation initiatives.
- Villagers must be included in the decision-making process and adequately informed about the project's objectives and potential impacts.
- Building trust and fostering collaboration between authorities and local residents are essential for successful tiger translocation and coexistence efforts.
5. Role of wildlife corridors in conservation efforts
- Wildlife corridors serve as crucial pathways connecting fragmented wildlife populations, bridging gaps created by human settlements and infrastructure development.
- These corridors are essential for the long-term survival of species like tigers, as they prevent localized extinctions and facilitate the exchange of genetic diversity, vital for maintaining healthy populations.
- Tigers, with their expansive home ranges, heavily rely on these corridors to navigate through human-dominated landscapes in search of mates and resources.
- The significance of wildlife corridors in conservation has been widely recognized and integrated into policy decisions.
- Mitigation measures such as underpasses and wildlife crossings are now commonplace in linear infrastructure projects to safeguard tigers and other wildlife.
- Advocacy, litigation, and policymaking efforts have played instrumental roles in promoting corridor conservation.
- Examples include the construction of wildlife overpasses, such as the one on National Highway-7 between Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves, which protects the migratory routes of tigers underneath the highway.
- Mapping initiatives by organizations like the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India have identified 32 major tiger corridors across different landscapes in India.
- These corridors represent crucial lifelines for tiger populations, ensuring their connectivity and long-term viability across diverse habitats.
6. The importance of the Sahyadri-Konkan corridor
- The Sahyadri-Konkan corridor, also known as the Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa-Karnataka corridor, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term survival of tiger populations in the northern Western Ghats.
- This crucial corridor connects the source population area in Kali Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, to the forests in Goa's hinterland, providing tigers with vital connectivity to Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, conservation reserves in Sindhudurg district, and the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR).
- However, the extensive presence of human settlements and development activities poses a significant threat to this corridor, fragmenting it at multiple locations and hindering tiger movement.
- Such fragmentation increases the likelihood of man-animal conflicts, further jeopardizing tiger conservation efforts. With plans underway for tiger translocations to Sahyadri, the urgent need to strengthen this corridor cannot be overstated.
- Without concerted efforts to enhance connectivity, even a breeding population of tigers would struggle to disperse to other forests, compromising their long-term survival.
- The regular dispersal of tigers from Kali Tiger Reserve towards Goa, where the prey base is relatively low. Despite having seven to eight tigers in its protected areas, Goa's forest department has resisted calls to declare a tiger reserve.
- These corridors are not only critical for wildlife but also essential for the water security of communities residing around these forests in Goa and Karnataka. Additionally, these areas hold cultural significance, as tigers are revered here.
- Effective coordination between Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka is imperative to address this issue comprehensively and ensure the sustainable management of this vital corridor.
7. Way Forward
By implementing the strategies in a coordinated and holistic manner, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the long-term viability and ecological integrity of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and its surrounding landscapes. This approach not only benefits wildlife conservation but also contributes to the well-being of local communities and the overall ecological health of the region.
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For Prelims: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kali Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Panna Tiger Reserve, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India
For Mains:
1. Critically evaluate the decision to reintroduce tigers into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR). Discuss the challenges associated with tiger translocation projects and suggest measures to improve their success rate. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC 2017) (a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014) 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Which one of the following is the well-publicized wildlife campaign in the world launched in 1973? (BPSC 2023) A. Sunderbans
B. Project Project
C. Tiger Lion Project
D. More than one of the above
E. None of the above
4. Which one of the following tiger reserves of India has ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ as its official mascot? (UPSC CAPF 2017)
A. Nameri tiger reserve
B. Ranthambhore tiger reserve
C. Panna tiger reserve
D. Kanha tiger reserve
5. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?(UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which of the following states? (SSC CHSL2021)
A. Kerala B. Karnataka C. Jharkhand D. Sikkim
7. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (upsc 2020) 1. Nagarhole National Park
2. Papikonda National Park
3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 8. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? (UPSC 2017)
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
9. With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 and 2 B. 2 only C.1 and 3 D. 3 only
10. In the field of tourism, which one of the following Indian States is described as 'One State Many Worlds'? (CDS GK 2020)
A. Assam B. West Bengal C. Karnataka D. Rajasthan
11. Consider the following protected areas: (UPSC 2012)
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1, 3 and 4 only C. 2, 3 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-D, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C, 8-D, 9-A, 10-C, 11-B
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Source: The Indian Express
