When was Project Tiger Started ?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) 1973.

Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India on April 1, 1973, during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The primary objective of this project was to protect the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and its natural habitats, addressing the alarming decline in the tiger population due to poaching, habitat loss, and other anthropogenic pressures.

to poaching, habitat loss, and other anthropogenic pressures.

Key Objectives of Project Tiger:

1. Habitat Protection: Establishing and maintaining tiger reserves to ensure viable populations of tigers in their natural environments.

2. Anti-Poaching Measures: Implementing stringent measures to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

3. Restoration of Ecosystems: Rehabilitating degraded habitats to support not only tigers but also the entire ecosystem.

4. Research and Monitoring: Conducting scientific research to monitor tiger populations and their prey, ensuring informed conservation strategies.

5. Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Additional Information:

• Initial Reserves: At its inception, Project Tiger encompassed nine tiger reserves covering an area of approximately 9,115 square kilometers.

• Current Status: As of March 2024, the number of tiger reserves in India has increased to 55, reflecting the project's expansion and ongoing commitment to tiger conservation.

• Tiger Population Trends: The project has been instrumental in stabilizing and increasing the tiger population in India. From a precarious count of about 1,827 tigers in 1972, the population has shown a positive trend, with recent estimates indicating a significant increase.

Project Elephant: It is a Central Government sponsored scheme launched in February 1992. Through the Project Elephant scheme, the government helps in the protection and management of elephants to the states having wild elephants in a free-ranging population.