ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am thankful to my Geography teacher, Mr. Rahul Marya, for his active support and
necessary guidance in preparation of this project on “Conservation of Wildlife in India”. I am
thankful to my parents for providing me with constant help and necessary support in making
this project. They have always been with me when in doubt and pointed me in the right
direction and patiently answered all the queries that I had during preparation of the project.
This project has provided me with a deep insight into the alarming situation of the wildlife in
India being exploited and the necessary steps and actions being taken for their conservation.

INTRODUCTION: ½ page
Wildlife traditionally refers to undomesticated animal species, but has come to include
all plants, fungi, and other organisms that grow or live wild in an area without
being introduced by humans.

Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, forests, rain forests, plains, grasslands, and
other areas including the most developed urban sites, all have distinct forms of wildlife.

WHAT IS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION? (LITTLE MORE THAN ½)

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting wild plant and animal species and
their habitats in order to maintain healthy wildlife species or populations and to restore, protect or
enhance natural ecosystems. Additionally, wildlife conservation aims to raise awareness
regarding the importance of wildlife and wilderness. Wildlife conservation has become an
increasingly important practice due to the detrimental effects of human activity on wildlife. It is
essential to take actions to protect wildlife from extinction. By doing so, we do not only ensure
their survival, but also the diversity of the ecosystem. As a result, it will help improve the
ecological health of the earth.

HOW IS WILDLIFE ENDANGERED IN INDIA? (1 ½ PAGE)

India is a bio-diverse country, with nearly 6.5% of the world's known wildlife species.
Approximately, 7.6% of the world's mammals and 12.6% of the world's birds are found in
India. The illicit demand, globally, for wildlife and its products has seen the rise of wildlife
crime across the subcontinent.

In India, wildlife crime is a pervasive problem damaging ecosystems, impacting food security
and affecting livelihoods of rural communities. In many cases, cross-border smuggling of live
animals and plants can result in the spread of disease through carrier animals and plants.
Major wildlife crime in India includes poaching of tigers, rhinos and the sale of Star tortoises.
Tigers are an endangered species, poached for their skin and bones to cater to an illegal
market. Their body parts are used in Asian medicines and tiger claws are used in jewellery.
Tiger whiskers are considered a dreadful poison in Malaysia and a powerful aphrodisiac in
Indonesia.

Ancient trade routes for salt, spices and wool are being used to smuggle tiger skins and
bones. These illegal goods are sent to buyers based largely in northern India and are then
smuggled out of the country through couriers. The main route is via Nepal, with whom India
has a porous border, or directly across the border to China. More recently, routes through
Myanmar have also been used.
Apart from tigers, India is also witnessing a rise in wildlife crime against Rhinoceros. Driven
by a soaring demand for their horn, hundreds of rhinos are being killed, illegally. According
to a report by TRAFFIC and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
sophisticated poachers are using veterinary drugs, poison, cross bows and high calibre
weapons to kill rhinos.

The Indian rhino could once be found from Pakistan, all the way through India, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar. However, the current population of this species is
dwindling and today only about 2500 survive in India and Nepa

It is not only large mammals, but also smaller species that are under threat. Star tortoises
from South India are illegally traded in huge numbers. Due to their popularity in Feng Shui,
they are kept as pets, believed to bring prosperity and can cost as much as $500 in the
illegal market. Many protected marine species such as sea cucumbers, molluscs, sea horses
and coral are also illegally harvested in Indian waters for export.

In India, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is a strong legislation that covers wildlife crime.
However, the implementation and enforcement needs to be strengthened in order to curb
this transnational crime.

The four most general reasons that lead to destruction of wildlife include overkill, habitat
destruction and fragmentation, impact of introduced species and chains of extinction.

a) Climate change: Drought, rainfall and flooding cause dangerous changes to the
landscape, adding stress to wildlife species and their habitat. Every year, many
animals die due to abrupt climatic changes.
b) Unregulated Hunting and poaching: Unregulated hunting and poaching causes a
major threat to wildlife. Along with this, mis-management of forest department and
forest guards triggers this problem.
c) Pollution: Pollutants released into the environment are ingested by a wide variety of
organisms. Pesticides and toxic chemical being widely used, making the environment
toxic to certain plants, insects, and rodents.
d) Perhaps the largest threat is the extreme growing indifference of the public to wildlife,
conservation and environmental issues in general. Over-exploitation of resources,
i.e., exploitation of wild populations for food has resulted in population crashes (over-
fishing and over-grazing for example).
e) Over exploitation of wildlife resources by people for food, clothing, pets, medicine,
sport and many other purposes is becoming a grave danger to sustenance of wild
life.
f) Population: The increasing population of human beings is the most major threat to
wildlife. More people means more consumption of food, water and fuel. Therefore,
more waste is generated. Every major threat to wildlife as seen above, is directly
related to increasing population of human beings. If the population is altered so is the
amount of risk to wildlife. The less is the population, less is the disturbance to wildlife.

Top 10 Most Endangered Wild Animal Species of India: (not

required-just use pictures from this section throughout the project,
and may use facts)
Indian Tiger
The members of Felide family, which includes three great cats namely, Asiatic Lion, Bengal
Tigers, wild cats and leopard, found in India are dwindling population, Because of excessive
poaching, big cats in India are on the verge of extinction. There were only 1411 Royal
Bengal Tigers left in India as per the Tiger Census in 2008. The Asiatic or the great Indian
lion is only found in the Gir national park. One of the most endangered species of felide
family is the snow leopard which is found only in Himalayan Ranges.

Indian Dolphin
The Ganges River Dolphin is member of Cetacea family,which includes marine mammals
porpoises and whales. Dolphins are primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers
and their tributaries in India. They share their habitat with crocodiles, fresh water turtles. The
blind Dolphin of holy river Ganges is the National Aquatic Animal of India. The Indian River
Shark is also listed as one of the endangered Species in India.

Gharial
The gharial is one of the three crocodilians found in India and is the longest of all living
crocodilians. The holy river Ganges is one the important habitat of the Gharial in India, It is
also found in Chambal, Irrawady and Brahmaputra rivers. The gharial is listed as a most
critically endangered species in India. Mass gharial deaths in the Chambal river is still a
mystery which is assumed to be caused by polluted river water.
The Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian bustard is one of the world’s heaviest flying birds and is also the rarest in
the Indian sub-continent. It is found only in some parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and
Rajasthan. Less than a thousand survive today and the species is threatened by hunting and
loss of its habitat. The Indian Vulture is another endangered bird of India, The Indian King
Vulture is found mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Indian Rhinoceros
The Great Indian Rhinoceros also called as One Horned Rhinoceros is found in India. The
Indian Rhinoceros has a single black horn which is present in both male and female species.
The Great Indian Rhinoceros is the fourth largest animal in the world. The large endangered
mammal is primarily found in parts of north-eastern India, Today about 3,000 rhinos live in
the wild, 2,000 of which are found in Manas and Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Excessive
hunting for its horn, reduced their natural habitat drastically.
Black Buck
Black Buck also known as Kala Hiran is a species of antelope found mainly in India. It is one
of the most beautiful and graceful animals of the antelope species in India. Due to extensive
poaching and habitat loss, black buck populations have been reduced drastically. The
antelopes of India can be seen in a few protected areas like the Guindy National Park, Tamil
Nadu, Rollapadu, Andhra Pradesh and Chilka (Orissa) other than few parts of Rajasthan and
Haryana. Punjab has declared the Black Buck as its state animal.

Indian Wild Ass

The Indian wild ass, also called Khur, is a subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass found only in
the Rann of Kutch. Its last refuge lies in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch
and the surrounding areas of the greater Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Its estimated population
is 362, hence it was classified as a highly endangered species in India.
Indian Wild Dog
Indian Wild Dog or Dhole is one of the top predators of the wild forest, living in packs,
hunting cooperatively and are highly social animals. Dhole is found in the national parks of
Assam, Bengal, Gujarat, Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve of
south India. It is estimated that only 2500 Dholes are left in the wild. Threats to the dhole
species include habitat destruction and loss of its main prey.

Nilgiri Langur
The Nilgiri Langur found in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats in South India. Its range also
includes Kodagu in Karnataka, Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu and many other hilly areas in
Kerala. The Nilgiri Black Langur is a member of one of the 13 species of monkeys found in
India, which is endangered due to deforestation and poaching for its fur and flesh. Indian
golden langur is also falls in the same category of endangered animals of India.

Red Panda
The beautiful and endangered species, Indian Red Panda is also known by the name of Red
Fox. From the two kinds of Red Pandas in the world, only one variety is found in India. India
has 20 protected areas in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal’s Khangchendzonga
and Namdapha National Park. The endangered Red Panda live in temperate climates, in
deciduous and coniferous forests, usually with an understorey of bamboo and hollow trees.
Wildlife Conservation Initiatives by the Government of India(1 – 1 ½
pg)
In order to overcome the result of human encroachment, many national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries, as well as biosphere reserves have been established around the nation. India is
renowned for its remarkable Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam renowned for protecting
the endangered one-horned Rhinoceros, and also the Dachigam National Park, which
conserves the Hangul or Kashmiri Stag.

To promote wildlife awareness among the people, the Indian government has started various
natural projects and programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Nature Camps.
These projects not only help to preserve our natural heritage, but encourage eco-tourism as
well.

The other initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to conserve wildlife are as
follows:

 The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was enacted to lessen the large-scale habitat
destruction caused by deforestation.
 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides the framework for the protection
of wildlife in India, including the creation of protected areas and the
regulation of hunting and trade in wildlife.

 India also indorsed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES) in 1976. As a result, ban was imposed on the
commercial trading of Asian elephants which involved the export of ivory.
 India is also an active advocator of transboundary conservation initiatives and has
made several agreements to cooperate with other countries for the protection of our
ecosystem and wildlife.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROJECTS:

Project Elephant

Project Elephant 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.

It ensures the protection of elephant corridors and elephant habitat for the survival of the elephant
population in the wild.

This elephant conservation strategy is mainly implemented in 16 of 28 states or union territories in the
country which includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Jharkhand, Kerala,
Karnataka, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, and
West Bengal. The population of elephants in the nation has increased from 15000 when the project
was launched to about 28000 today.

The successful project encompassed the following issues-

 Ecologically restoring the existing natural habitats and migratory routes of elephants
 Developing of scientific methods for conservation of elephant habitats and viable
population of Wild Asiatic elephants in India and ensuring their continuance through
planned management.
 Promoting measures for mitigating man-elephant conflict in crucial habitats and as far
as possible negating the undue pressures of human and domestic stock activities in
crucial elephant habitats
 Ensuring strictest adherence to "No poaching" acts formulated for Wild elephants and
minimizing cases of unnatural deaths of elephants due to human or other
interference.
 Conducting Public education and awareness programmes.
 Providing for veterinary care of the wild elephants.

Project Tiger

Project Tiger was formed in 1972 and launched on 1st April 1973 at Jim Corbett National
Park, Uttarakhand by Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Project Tiger
has successfully emerged as one of the champion endeavours of Tiger conservation as
formulated by a special task force set up under Wildlife Conservation Act to address the
problem of dwindling Tiger population in the country. India is currently home to about 3600
wild tigers, almost 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.

Aim: This flagship conservation program aims to address the alarming decline in the tiger population
due to poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Objectives of Project Tiger-

 Population Recovery: To halt and reverse the decline in tiger numbers through targeted
breeding and conservation programs, ensuring a sustainable increase in the population.
 Habitat Protection: To secure, restore, and manage critical tiger habitats by expanding
protected areas and improving the quality of forest cover to provide a safe and sustainable
environment for tigers.
 Monitoring and Research: To establish a robust scientific framework for ongoing research
and monitoring of tigers and their habitats using advanced technologies like GPS collars and
camera traps for real-time data collection and analysis.
 Minimize Human-Wildlife Conflict: To develop and implement effective conflict mitigation
strategies, such as creating buffer zones, setting up rapid response teams, and promoting
the use of barriers and deterrents to prevent tigers from entering human settlements.

Strategies-

 Core and Buffer Areas: Establishment of core areas (where human activities are
strictly regulated) and buffer areas (zones with regulated human activity to support
conservation).
 Anti-Poaching Measures: Deployment of anti-poaching squads, use of technology
like camera traps, and stricter enforcement of wildlife laws.
 Habitat Restoration: Activities such as afforestation, water management, and
corridor development to ensure contiguous habitats.
 Relocation Programs: Voluntary relocation of human settlements from core tiger
habitats to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
 Research and Monitoring: Regular tiger censuses using camera traps and other
scientific methods to monitor population trends and health.
Challenges-
 Human-Wildlife Conflict: Frequent conflicts between tigers and local communities lead
to loss of life, livestock, and tigers.
 Poaching and Illegal Trade: Despite strict laws, poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts
remain significant threats.
 Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure development and agricultural expansion continue
to fragment tiger habitats.
 Climate Change: Changing climate patterns pose new challenges to the habitats and prey
availability for tigers.

Notable Reserves-
 Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand): The first and one of the most famous tiger reserves
in India.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh): Famous for its high density of tigers.
 Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan): Popular among tourists for tiger sightings.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India: ( little more than ½ page)

A Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, or features

of geological or other interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide
opportunities for study or research. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the
establishment of Protected Areas in India.[1]
1) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand- Renowned for Bengal Tigers, and
cornerstone of the Project Tiger initiative.
2) Kaziranga National Park, Assam- Widely celebrated for preservation of the
endangered one-horned rhinoceros.
3) Sundarbans National Park, WB- Famous for its elusive Bengal Tigers and
saltwater crocodiles.
 4) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary,Kerala- Notable for large elephant population

Biosphere Reserves
Government of India has initiated an effort to conserve wildlife, both flora and fauna including
human communities living under Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves are actually the
areas defined by the Government of India for protecting the above said in their natural
habitat. There are seventeen Biosphere Reserves in India at present.
Biosphere Reserves in India
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Agasthyamalai
Dibru Saikhowa Dihang Dibang
Great Nicobar Gulf of Mannar
Kachchh Kanchenjunga
Manas Nanda Devi
The Nilgiris Nokrek
Pachmarhi Simlipal
Sundarbans Cold desert
Seshachalam hills

IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE- ( 1 ¼- ½ page)

1. Biodiversity Conservation
Wildlife plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.
Each species, no matter how small, has a unique function in the ecosystem, such as
pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling. Preserving wildlife helps maintain these
ecological processes, ensuring the health and stability of ecosystems. High biodiversity
contributes to resilience against environmental changes and disasters, thereby sustaining
the planet’s natural resources and life-support systems.

2. Ecological Balance
Wildlife maintains the balance of ecosystems by participating in various food webs and
trophic levels. Predators control the population of prey species, preventing overgrazing and
degradation of habitats. Herbivores manage vegetation growth, which in turn affects the
landscape and water cycles. The intricate relationships among different species create a
balanced ecosystem, which is crucial for the survival of all living organisms, including
humans.

3. Economic Value
Wildlife contributes significantly to economies through tourism, research, and sustainable
harvesting. Wildlife tourism, such as safaris and bird watching, generates substantial
revenue and creates jobs in local communities. Additionally, many plants and animals
provide raw materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries. Sustainable use
of wildlife resources ensures that economic benefits are long-term and do not deplete natural
populations, thus supporting both conservation and local livelihoods.

4. Cultural and Recreational Significance

Wildlife holds immense cultural and recreational value, influencing art, folklore, and traditions
across the globe. Many communities have spiritual and cultural connections with local
wildlife, viewing certain species as sacred or symbolic. Wildlife-based recreation, such as
hiking, camping, and wildlife photography, enriches human life by providing opportunities for
education, inspiration, and relaxation. Protecting wildlife helps preserve these cultural
heritages and enhances human well-being through nature-based experiences.

5. Scientific Research and Education

Wildlife is indispensable for scientific research, offering insights into behavior, genetics, and
ecosystem dynamics. Studying wildlife helps scientists understand ecological interactions,
evolutionary processes, and the impact of environmental changes. This knowledge is crucial
for developing conservation strategies and sustainable practices. Moreover, wildlife
education programs foster awareness and appreciation of nature, encouraging the next
generation to engage in conservation efforts and make informed decisions about the
environment.

CONCLUSION: (1/2-3/4 page)

Today, there are now many wildlife preservation programs which have been successfully
implemented by the government for the protection and development of India’s diverse
natural wildlife. We must make consistent efforts towards ensuring that we preserve our
country’s rich heritage and biodiversity and advocate for their rights. Through awareness and
education, we can spread the message and ensure that our succeeding generations may
reap the pleasures of our natural biodiversity and heritage.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The following resources were consulted for preparation of this project:

1. www.yourarticlelibrary.com/wildlife/wildlife-protection-projects-undertaken-by-govt-of-
india-for-wildlife-protection/11157/

2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife

3. animalstime.com/wildlife-conservation-efforts-in-india/

4. www.indianholiday.com/wildlife-india/wildlife-conservation-in-india/project-
elephant.html

5. www.indianholiday.com/wildlife-india/wildlife-conservation-in-india/project-tiger.html

6. www.unodc.org/southasia//frontpage/2012/june/our-endangered-wildlife-a-cause-for-
concern.html

7. https://byjus.com/govt-exams/project-elephant-reserves-in-india-list/