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{{Short description|Indian government agency}}
{{Short description|Indian government agency}}
{{tone|date=December 2017}}
{{Infobox government agency
{{Infobox government agency
| type = Tiger conservation
| name = National Tiger Conservation Authority
| type = Wildlife conservation agency
| logo = National Tiger Conservation Authority logo.png
| logo = National Tiger Conservation Authority logo.png
| logo_caption = Logo of the NTCA
| logo_caption = Logo of the NTCA
| formed = December 2005
| formed = December 2005
| parent_department = Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
| parent_department = [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], [[Government of India]]
| child1_agency = [[Project Tiger]]
| child1_agency = [[Project Tiger]]
| website = https://www.tigernet.nic.in/
| website = https://www.tigernet.nic.in/
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Wildlife of India}}
{{Wildlife of India}}
The '''National Tiger Conservation Authority''' ('''NTCA''') was founded in '''[[India]]''' in December 2005, based on a recommendation put forth by the Tiger Task Force.<ref>[http://projecttiger.nic.in/TTF2005/index.html Tiger Task Force] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327203407/http://projecttiger.nic.in/TTF2005/index.html |date=27 March 2009 }}</ref> '''The Prime Minister of India''' established the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to streamline the management of [[Project Tiger]] and numerous [[Tiger reserves of India|Tiger Reserves of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianjungles.com/201205.htm |title=Tiger Conservation Authority set up |access-date=19 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011115608/http://www.indianjungles.com/201205.htm |archive-date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The '''National Tiger Conservation Authority''' ('''NTCA''') is a [[wildlife conservation]] agency formed to protect the [[endangered]] [[Bengal tiger]] in India. It was established by the [[Government of India]] in 2005 for the management of [[Project Tiger]] and the various [[Tiger reserves of India|tiger reserves in India]]. As of 2023, there were 3,682 wild tigers in India, which is almost 75% of the world's wild tiger population.


== Background==
== Background==
In 1973, [[Project Tiger]] was initiated by the [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]] of the [[Government of India]], which was aimed at protecting the [[Bengal Tiger]] and its habitats and establishing dedicated [[Tiger reserves of India|tiger reserves]] for sustaining tiger populations.<ref name="PT">{{cite web|title=Project Tiger|publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority|url=https://ntca.gov.in/about-us/#project-tiger|access-date=1 April 2024|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405081950/https://ntca.gov.in/about-us/#project-tiger|url-status=live}}</ref> The state governments were entrusted with the planning and management of notified areas.<ref name="Reserve">{{cite report |title=Tiger reserves |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority |url=https://ntca.gov.in/tiger-reserves/#tiger-reserves-2 |access-date=1 April 2024 |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318135018/https://ntca.gov.in/tiger-reserves/#tiger-reserves-2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="guidelines">{{cite web |url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/COMPENDIUM%20OF%20GUIDELINES.pdf |title=Project Tiger |publisher=[[Government of India]] |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-date=2 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002055640/http://projecttiger.nic.in/COMPENDIUM%20OF%20GUIDELINES.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2005, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was formed under section 38 of the amended [[Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972]], to administer the tiger reserves which were set up as a part of Project Tiger with Project Tiger becoming a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) to provide funding for the establishment and administration of the tiger reserves.<ref name="PT"/><ref name="NTCA">{{cite web|url=https://ntca.gov.in/about-us/#ntca|title=National Tiger Conservation Authority|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>


== Objectives and functions ==
In 1973, the [[Government of India]], in collaboration with the [[World Wildlife Foundation|WWF]], initiated a conservation program known as the Tiger Protection Program, commonly referred to as [[Project Tiger]].<ref name="Jairam">{{cite book |last1=Ramesh |first1=Jairam |title=Indira gandhi: A life in nature |publisher=Penguin India}}</ref>
The primary objective for the establishment of the NTCA was to create a statutory body to provide legal directives for the implementation of the Project Tiger. The agency is also tasked with facilitation the relationship between the central and state governments, providing updates to the [[Parliament of India]], and addressing concerns of people living in the buffer zones of the Tiger reserves. The NTCA approves the Tiger conservation plans outlined by the state governments.<ref name="NTCA"/><ref name="Gazette">{{cite web|url=https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/guidelines/Gazette-08-11-12.pdf|title=Gazette notification|date=8 November 2012|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>


The NTCA is responsible for providing requisite technological and legal support for the implementation of the Tiger conservation plans and training the forest officers. It is also tasked with monitoring and surveillance of tiger habitats, population estimation of tiger and prey, and promotion of other allied research. Other functions of the NTCA include the evaluation and approval of projects within the tiger reserves, enacting guidelines for tourism, management of concerns of the local population in the adjoining areas of the tiger reserves to effectively manage forest resources and minimise [[human wildlife conflict]].<ref name="NTCA"/><ref name="Gazette"/> [[Wireless communication]] systems, [[infrared]] [[thermal camera]]s and [[M-STrIPES|monitoring system]]s have been developed by the NTCA to assist in patrol activities.<ref name="NTCA"/><ref>{{cite web |title="MSTrIPES": Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection & Ecological Status |publisher=India Environment Portal |year=2010 |url=http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/mstripes-ppt.pdf |work=National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India, Zoological Society of London |access-date=8 September 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806135612/http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/mstripes-ppt.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwfindia.org/?12021/Valmiki-Tiger-Reserve-conducts-training-workshop-on-wildlife-monitoring-using-wireless-technology|title=Valmiki Tiger Reserve conducts training workshop on wildlife monitoring using wireless technology|work=WWF India|date=19 September 2014|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
In June 2010, the [[Wildlife Institute of India]] (WII) conducted a comprehensive survey utilizing camera traps for tiger population estimation, diverging from the conventional method of footprint counting ([[Pugmark|pugmarks]]). The report titled ''Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India'', published by the [[National Tiger Conservation Authority]], revealed a significant discrepancy from previous estimates, suggesting that the tiger population in India might have been overestimated. The survey indicated the presence of approximately 1411 adult tigers in India, with additional uncensused tigers in the [[Sundarbans]] region.<ref name="Jhala">{{cite book|author=Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.|title=Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India|editor=Y.V.[[Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala|Jhala]]|editor2=R.Gopal|editor3=Q.Qureshi|publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority, Govt. of India|location=New Delhi|year=2008|series=TR 08/001|pages=–151|url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/status_of_tigers_in_india_2008.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602124630/http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/status_of_tigers_in_india_2008.pdf|archive-date=2 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


== Organisation ==
For instance, across 16 reserves spanning [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Maharashtra]], and [[Chhattisgarh]], the tiger population is estimated to be approximately 490, marking a significant decline of 60% from the previously estimated 1,233 tigers in these areas in 2002. The 2002 survey had suggested a total tiger population of 3,500 in India, while the recent survey indicates a reduced figure of just 1,400 remaining tigers nationwide.
The authority is headed by the [[Minister of Environment and Forests]] with the [[minister of state]] serving as the deputy. It includes the following members:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ntca.gov.in/about-us/#members|title=Members of National Tiger Conservation Authority|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* Secretaries from various ministries such as Environment and Forests, [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Law]], [[Ministry of Panchayati Raj|Panchayati Raj]], [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Social Justice and Empowerment]], and [[Ministry of Tribal Affairs|Tribal Affairs]].
* Three [[Member of Parliament]] including two from the [[Lok Sabha]] and one from the [[Rajya Sabha]].
* Eight wildlife conservation experts including two with experience in tribal development.
* Director General of forests, Inspector General of forests and Director of Wildlife preservation.
* Chairpersons of the National Commission for the [[Scheduled Tribes]] and [[Scheduled Castes]].
* Six chief wildlife wardens from the states on rotational basis for three year terms.


== Tiger population ==
Translocating villagers out of tiger reserves can be considered an effective strategy, provided it is carried out with sensitivity. This approach offers villagers improved access to education and healthcare while enabling them to engage in farming without the risk of tiger attacks. Additionally, the absence of human disturbance allows the tiger's prey to thrive, while making it more challenging for poachers to operate.
[[File:State_wise_Bengal_Tiger_Population_India,_2019.jpg|thumb|State wise tiger population (2018)]]


During the tiger census of 2006, a new methodology was used extrapolating site-specific densities of tigers, their co-predators and prey derived from [[camera trap]] and sign surveys using [[GIS]]. Based on the result of these surveys, the total tiger population was estimated at 1,411 individuals ranging from 1,165 to 1,657 adult and sub-adult tigers of more than 1.5 years of age.<ref>{{cite book |title=Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India |author=Jhala, Y. V. |author-link=Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala |author2=Gopal, R. |author3=Qureshi, Q. |name-list-style=amp |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority, Govt. of India, New Delhi; Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun |year=2008 |series=TR 08/001 |url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/status_of_tigers_in_india_2008.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602124630/http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/status_of_tigers_in_india_2008.pdf |archive-date=2 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49148174|title=India's tiger population sees 33% increase|publisher=BBC|date=2019|access-date=11 April 2024|archive-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801021152/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49148174|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2010 National Tiger Assessment estimated the total population of wild tigers in India at 1,706. As per [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Ministry of Environment and Forests]], the wild tiger population in India stood at 2,226 in 2014 with an increase of 30.5% since the 2010 estimate.<ref name=NTA>{{cite web|url=http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/tiger-brochure.pdf|title=Tiger Estimate in India|work=Public Information Brochure|page=9|publisher=Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India|date=28 March 2011|access-date=21 June 2011|archive-date=12 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612082807/http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/tiger-brochure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
In [[China]], despite a ban on domestic trade in tiger body parts instituted 14 years ago, reports suggest that approximately 5,000 tigers are confined to small cages, primarily for exhibition purposes. A recent investigation conducted by EIA with assistance from WPSI revealed that the illegal trade in tiger skins and bones persists in [[Tibet]] and China. Owners of these captive tigers, which are often inbred and unfit for survival in the wild, appear to be aiming to monopolize this clandestine business once wild tigers are declared extinct. Such captive tigers, if released into the wild, would likely contribute to the demise of the species in its natural habitat.


In 2018, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, there were an estimated 2,603–3,346 wild tigers with an average of 2,967 in existence in India.<ref>{{cite report |author=Jhala, Y. V. |author2=Qureshi, Q. |author3=Nayak, A. K. |name-list-style=amp |year=2020 |title=Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India 2018 |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority, Government of India, Wildlife Institute of India |location=New Delhi, Dehradun |url=http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Tiger-Status-Report-2018_For-Web_compressed_compressed.pdf |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028125314/http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Tiger-Status-Report-2018_For-Web_compressed_compressed.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The wild tiger population increased to 3,682 as of 2022.<ref name="Report">{{cite report |author1=Qureshi, Q. |author2=Jhala, Y. V. |author3=Yadav, S. P. |author4=Mallick, A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2023 |title=Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India 2022 |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority & Wildlife Institute of India |location=New Delhi, Dehradun |url=https://wii.gov.in/images//images/documents/publications/statu_tiger_copredators-2022.pdf |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505145403/https://wii.gov.in/images//images/documents/publications/statu_tiger_copredators-2022.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> As India is home to majority of the global wild tiger population, the increase in population of [[tigers in India]] played a major role in driving up global populations as well; the number of wild tigers globally rose from 3,159 in 2010 to 3,890 in 2016 according to the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|World Wide Fund]] and Global Tiger Forum.<ref name="Global">{{Cite web |url=http://tigers.panda.org/news/what-the-new-global-tiger-number-means/ |title=2967 – What the new global Tiger number means |publisher=WWF |date=2016 |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927044921/http://tigers.panda.org/news/what-the-new-global-tiger-number-means/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Farmers openly acknowledge that tigers are hunted for their body parts, which are sought after for use in Traditional Medicine. During the [[CITES]] conference in June, China proposed an amendment to the Convention text regulating the trade in tiger parts. This proposal aimed to authorize China to trade in 'parts and derivatives' obtained from captive-bred tigers. However, the proposal was rejected by the CITES Parties. Instead, a significant decision was made stating that 'tigers should not be bred for trade in their parts and derivatives'.


== Tiger reserves ==
The most recent audit conducted by the Authority in 2018 estimated the population of wild [[Tiger|tigers]] at 2967, marking an increase of 33% since 2014.
In 1973, nine protected areas were initially designated as tiger reserves. By the late 1980s, the initial nine reserves covering an area of {{cvt|9115|km2}} had been increased to 15 reserves covering an area of {{cvt|24700|km2}}.<ref>{{cite book |author=Panwar, H. S. |year=1987 |chapter=Project Tiger: The reserves, the tigers, and their future |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YdC-wfyZwZEC&pg=PA110 |pages=110–117 |title=Tigers of the world: the biology, biopolitics, management, and conservation of an endangered species |editor1-last=Tilson, R. L. |editor2-last=Sel, U. S. |publisher=Minnesota Zoological Garden, IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Group, IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group |location=Park Ridge, N.J. |isbn=978-0-815-51133-5 |access-date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152818/https://books.google.com/books?id=YdC-wfyZwZEC&pg=PA110 |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1997, 23 tiger reserves encompassed an area of {{cvt|33000|km2}}.<ref>{{cite book |editor1=Seidensticker, J. |editor2=Christie, S. |editor3=Jackson, P. |year=1999 |title=Riding the Tiger. Tiger Conservation in human-dominated landscapes |publisher=Cambridge University Press |place=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-64057-1 |author=Thapar, V. |chapter=The tragedy of the Indian tiger: starting from scratch |pages=296–306}}</ref> As of March 2024, there are 55 [[protected area]]s that have been designated as tiger reserves.<ref name="Reserve"/>


==Organisation==
== References ==
The [[Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972|Wildlife Protection Act of 1972]] underwent an amendment in 2006, establishing the National Tiger Conservation Authority responsible for implementing the [[Project Tiger]] plan aimed at safeguarding endangered tigers. Chaired by the Minister for Environment and Forests, the Authority comprises eight experts or professionals with qualifications and experience in wildlife conservation and the welfare of local communities, including tribal populations. Additionally, three Members of Parliament, two elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States, serve on the Authority. The Inspector General of Forests, overseeing Project Tiger, holds the position of ex-officio Member Secretary.

The Authority is tasked with establishing normative standards and guidelines for tiger conservation within [[Tiger reserves of India|Tiger Reserves]], as well as National Parks and Sanctuaries. Its responsibilities include providing information on protection measures such as conservation plans, tiger estimation, disease surveillance, mortality surveys, patrolling activities, and reports on any untoward incidents. Additionally, it oversees various management aspects related to conservation planning.

The Authority also facilitates and supports tiger reserve management in the States by promoting eco-development and encouraging people's participation in line with approved management plans. It extends support to similar initiatives in neighboring areas, ensuring alignment with both Central and state laws.

The Tiger Conservation Authority is mandated to prepare an Annual Report, which is subsequently presented in Parliament alongside the Audit Report for scrutiny.

State-level Steering Committees are established in the Tiger States, chaired by their respective Chief Ministers. This measure, proposed by the Tiger Task Force established by the Prime Minister, aims to enhance coordination, monitoring, and protection efforts for tigers within the states.

Provisions are in place for state governments to formulate a comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan. This plan encompasses staff training and deployment to ensure the safeguarding and development of tiger reserves, while also ensuring sustainable forestry practices in surrounding areas. Additionally, measures are in place to safeguard the agricultural, livelihood, and developmental interests of communities residing within or near forested areas and tiger reserves. Clear delineation of core and buffer areas helps prevent ambiguity in management and conservation efforts.

States will have the opportunity to establish Tiger Conservation Foundations, drawing from successful models implemented in various tiger reserves. These foundations will operate as trusts, established in accordance with relevant state laws. They will be granted administrative autonomy by the state government to generate funds and promote activities such as eco-tourism and eco-development in collaboration with local communities.

==The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006==

The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 (No. 39 of 2006) became effective on September 4, 2006. This legislation establishes the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau, also known as the [[Wildlife Crime Control Bureau]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Creation Of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau |url=http://wccb.gov.in/Content/Creationofwccb.aspx |website=Wccb.gov.in}}</ref>

Over the years, the necessity for a [[Statutory authority|Statutory Authority]] with legal authority to enforce tiger conservation measures has become apparent. Following recommendations from the [[National Board for Wildlife]], a Task Force was established to address the challenges facing tiger conservation in the country. Among its recommendations, the Task Force proposed enhancing [[Project Tiger]] by granting it statutory and administrative authority, along with establishing the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Additionally, it suggested the submission of an annual report to the Central Government for presentation in Parliament, to ensure ongoing commitment to Project Tiger and address local community concerns.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The National Tiger Conservation Authority will facilitate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with States within the federal system for tiger conservation efforts. It will also provide oversight by Parliament. Additionally, it will address the livelihood interests of local communities in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves, ensuring that the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other residents are not infringed upon or adversely affected. Clear definitions have been established for core (critical) and buffer (peripheral) areas while safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The functions and powers of the Authority include, among others: approving Tiger Conservation Plans prepared by States, setting normative standards for tiger conservation, providing information on various aspects such as protection measures, tiger estimation, and patrolling, addressing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting coexistence with local communities, preparing annual reports for presentation to Parliament, establishing Steering Committees by States, overseeing the preparation of tiger protection and conservation plans by States, safeguarding the agricultural and livelihood interests of people residing in and around Tiger Reserves, and assisting States in establishing tiger conservation foundations to support their development efforts.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The National Tiger Conservation Authority was notified on September 4, 2006, initially for a three-year period. The Authority is chaired by the Minister for Environment and Forests, with the Minister of State for Environment and Forests serving as the vice-chairperson. Official members include representatives from various ministries such as Environment and Forests, Tribal Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment, as well as from commissions related to [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes]]. Additionally, members from the [[Ministry of Panchayati Raj]] and the Wildlife Preservation department are part of the Authority, along with six chief wildlife wardens from Tiger Reserve States on a rotational basis. Three Members of Parliament are nominated by the Parliament, and an officer from the Ministry of Law and Justice is also nominated. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is responsible for selecting eight non-official experts or professionals with specified qualifications and experience, including at least two from the field of tribal development. The Inspector General of Forests in charge of Project Tiger serves as the Member Secretary of the Authority.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The ministry is currently establishing the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, in accordance with provisions outlined in recent amendments. The Bureau's functions include gathering intelligence on wildlife crime, coordinating with State Governments and other relevant authorities, developing infrastructure, and enhancing capacity for scientific and professional investigation of wildlife crimes. Additionally, it will support State Governments in prosecuting such crimes effectively.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The penalty for offenses related to the core area of a tiger reserve or hunting within the reserve has been elevated. A first conviction in such offenses carries a sentence of [[imprisonment]] ranging from three to seven years, along with a fine ranging from fifty thousand to two [[lakh]] [[Rupee|rupees]]. Subsequent convictions entail imprisonment of no less than seven years, and a fine of no less than five lakh rupees, which may extend to fifty lakh rupees.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* https://ntca.gov.in
*http://www.tigerreservepilibhit.com
* http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/national-tiger-conservation-authority


{{Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (India)}}
{{Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (India)}}
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[[Category:2005 establishments in Delhi]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Tigers in India]]
[[Category:Tigers in India]]
[[Category:Wildlife conservation in India]]
[[Category:Wildlife conservation in India]]

Revision as of 13:49, 29 November 2024

National Tiger Conservation Authority
Logo of the NTCA
Wildlife conservation agency overview
FormedDecember 2005
Parent departmentMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
Child Wildlife conservation agency
Websitehttps://www.tigernet.nic.in/

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Wildlife population

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a wildlife conservation agency formed to protect the endangered Bengal tiger in India. It was established by the Government of India in 2005 for the management of Project Tiger and the various tiger reserves in India. As of 2023, there were 3,682 wild tigers in India, which is almost 75% of the world's wild tiger population.

Background

In 1973, Project Tiger was initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India, which was aimed at protecting the Bengal Tiger and its habitats and establishing dedicated tiger reserves for sustaining tiger populations.[1] The state governments were entrusted with the planning and management of notified areas.[2][3] In December 2005, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was formed under section 38 of the amended Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to administer the tiger reserves which were set up as a part of Project Tiger with Project Tiger becoming a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) to provide funding for the establishment and administration of the tiger reserves.[1][4]

Objectives and functions

The primary objective for the establishment of the NTCA was to create a statutory body to provide legal directives for the implementation of the Project Tiger. The agency is also tasked with facilitation the relationship between the central and state governments, providing updates to the Parliament of India, and addressing concerns of people living in the buffer zones of the Tiger reserves. The NTCA approves the Tiger conservation plans outlined by the state governments.[4][5]

The NTCA is responsible for providing requisite technological and legal support for the implementation of the Tiger conservation plans and training the forest officers. It is also tasked with monitoring and surveillance of tiger habitats, population estimation of tiger and prey, and promotion of other allied research. Other functions of the NTCA include the evaluation and approval of projects within the tiger reserves, enacting guidelines for tourism, management of concerns of the local population in the adjoining areas of the tiger reserves to effectively manage forest resources and minimise human wildlife conflict.[4][5] Wireless communication systems, infrared thermal cameras and monitoring systems have been developed by the NTCA to assist in patrol activities.[4][6][7]

Organisation

The authority is headed by the Minister of Environment and Forests with the minister of state serving as the deputy. It includes the following members:[8]

Tiger population

State wise tiger population (2018)

During the tiger census of 2006, a new methodology was used extrapolating site-specific densities of tigers, their co-predators and prey derived from camera trap and sign surveys using GIS. Based on the result of these surveys, the total tiger population was estimated at 1,411 individuals ranging from 1,165 to 1,657 adult and sub-adult tigers of more than 1.5 years of age.[9][10] The 2010 National Tiger Assessment estimated the total population of wild tigers in India at 1,706. As per Ministry of Environment and Forests, the wild tiger population in India stood at 2,226 in 2014 with an increase of 30.5% since the 2010 estimate.[11]

In 2018, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, there were an estimated 2,603–3,346 wild tigers with an average of 2,967 in existence in India.[12] The wild tiger population increased to 3,682 as of 2022.[13] As India is home to majority of the global wild tiger population, the increase in population of tigers in India played a major role in driving up global populations as well; the number of wild tigers globally rose from 3,159 in 2010 to 3,890 in 2016 according to the World Wide Fund and Global Tiger Forum.[14]

Tiger reserves

In 1973, nine protected areas were initially designated as tiger reserves. By the late 1980s, the initial nine reserves covering an area of 9,115 km2 (3,519 sq mi) had been increased to 15 reserves covering an area of 24,700 km2 (9,500 sq mi).[15] By 1997, 23 tiger reserves encompassed an area of 33,000 km2 (13,000 sq mi).[16] As of March 2024, there are 55 protected areas that have been designated as tiger reserves.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "Project Tiger". National Tiger Conservation Authority. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b Tiger reserves (Report). National Tiger Conservation Authority. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Project Tiger" (PDF). Government of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d "National Tiger Conservation Authority". Government of India. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Gazette notification" (PDF). Government of India. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  6. ^ ""MSTrIPES": Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection & Ecological Status" (PDF). National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India, Zoological Society of London. India Environment Portal. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  7. ^ "Valmiki Tiger Reserve conducts training workshop on wildlife monitoring using wireless technology". WWF India. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  8. ^ "Members of National Tiger Conservation Authority". Government of India. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  9. ^ Jhala, Y. V.; Gopal, R. & Qureshi, Q. (2008). Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India (PDF). TR 08/001. National Tiger Conservation Authority, Govt. of India, New Delhi; Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 June 2013.
  10. ^ "India's tiger population sees 33% increase". BBC. 2019. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Tiger Estimate in India" (PDF). Public Information Brochure. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. 28 March 2011. p. 9. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  12. ^ Jhala, Y. V.; Qureshi, Q. & Nayak, A. K. (2020). Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India 2018 (PDF) (Report). New Delhi, Dehradun: National Tiger Conservation Authority, Government of India, Wildlife Institute of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  13. ^ Qureshi, Q.; Jhala, Y. V.; Yadav, S. P. & Mallick, A. (2023). Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India 2022 (PDF) (Report). New Delhi, Dehradun: National Tiger Conservation Authority & Wildlife Institute of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  14. ^ "2967 – What the new global Tiger number means". WWF. 2016. Archived from the original on 27 September 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  15. ^ Panwar, H. S. (1987). "Project Tiger: The reserves, the tigers, and their future". In Tilson, R. L.; Sel, U. S. (eds.). Tigers of the world: the biology, biopolitics, management, and conservation of an endangered species. Park Ridge, N.J.: Minnesota Zoological Garden, IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Group, IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group. pp. 110–117. ISBN 978-0-815-51133-5. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  16. ^ Thapar, V. (1999). "The tragedy of the Indian tiger: starting from scratch". In Seidensticker, J.; Christie, S.; Jackson, P. (eds.). Riding the Tiger. Tiger Conservation in human-dominated landscapes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 296–306. ISBN 0-521-64057-1.
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