Geography project rough draft

Topic- Wildlife Conservation efforts in India

Wildlife

Wildlife includes all living beings- animals, plants and microorganisms in their
natural habitat, undisturbed and uninfluenced by human domestication and
cultivation. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth at all levels, from
genes to ecosystems.

Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves and National Parks

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of animal

habitats and biodiversity, where capturing, killing, and poaching of animals are
strictly prohibited, so as to protect endangered species and maintain the natural
environment with minimal human interference.
A biosphere reserve is a protected area for the conservation of biodiversity and
to support sustainable development. They are internationally recognized and are
designated by UNESCO.
A national park is a large area of land or water that is set up by a government to
preserve nature. National parks are established to conserve wildlife and
ecosystems, and to provide opportunities for recreation.

Protection of Wildlife [Legal actions]

In the late 90s, multiple legal acts and constitutional provisions were made for
the protection of wildlife and biodiversity. The following mention some of
them:
The primary law for wildlife protection in India is the Wild Life (Protection)
Act, 1972, which provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and
plants. It also has constitutional backing through Article 48A of the Constitution
of India, which directs the state to protect and improve the environment and
safeguard wildlife and forests.

Article 21, which protects the right to life, includes the protection and
preservation of forests and environment.
Article 51A (g) makes it a fundamental duty of the citizens of India to protect
and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and
wildlife.

Wildlife Conservation Projects

Project Tiger- Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation movement initiated

in India to protect the endangered tiger. The project was initiated in 1973 by
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of
India. As of March 2025, there are 58 protected areas that have been designated
as tiger reserves under the project. As of 2023, there were 3,682 wild tigers in
India, which is almost 75% of the world's wild tiger population.

Project Crocodile- Project Crocodile, launched in 1975, is India's crocodile

conservation program, focusing on protecting and reviving the country's
endangered crocodilian population, particularly the gharial, mugger, and
saltwater crocodiles, through breeding centers and habitat restoration. It has led
to an increase in the population of saltwater crocodiles, though gharial
recovery in the Mahanadi River was less successful. The project demonstrated
that with protection and management, crocodile populations can recover from
the brink of extinction.

Project Elephant- Project Elephant is a wildlife conservation movement

initiated in India to protect the endangered Indian elephant. The project was
initiated in 1992 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of
the Government of India to provide financial and technical support to the states
for wildlife management of free-ranging elephant populations. The project aims
to ensure the long-term survival and viability of elephant populations in their
natural habitats by protecting the animals, their habitats and migration corridors.

Project Hangul- Project Hangul is a conservation project for the Kashmir stag,
also known as the hangul. The project was created in the 1970s by the Jammu
and Kashmir government, with support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Project Snow Leopard- Project Snow Leopard, launched by the Indian

government in 2009, aims to conserve snow leopards and their high-altitude
Himalayan habitats through participatory and landscape-based approaches,
involving local communities and other stakeholders.
India Rhino Vision- Launched in 2005, Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was an
ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned
rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the
year 2020.

Project Cheetah- Project Cheetah is an initiative to reintroduce African

cheetahs to India, specifically in Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya
Pradesh, after they were declared extinct in the country in 1952. The project,
spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), aims to
restore the cheetah's role as a top predator and contribute to global conservation
efforts.

Project Ganges Dolphin-Project Dolphin is a wildlife conservation movement

initiated in India to protect the riverine and oceanic dolphins. The project was
initiated in 2021 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of
the Government of India.

Vulture Conservation-Since 2006, the Ministry for Environment, Forests and

Climate Change has been carrying a conservation project for vultures.

Important wildlife sanctuaries across India

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka- It was established in 1951. The area

was first declared as 'Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary' by the then government
of its surroundings; the area was extended to its present extent and renamed to
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in
the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, nestled in the Western Ghats of
India. It spans an area of approximately 492 square kilometres. It was built as a
safe haven for the biodiversity, flora and fauna of the area and became a part of
Project Tiger in 1998. It is now well known for its population of tigers, birds,
leopards and elephants.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1982.

It is located in Thekkady, within the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of
Kerala, India, nestled in the southern region of the Western Ghats. It covers an
estimate area of 925 square kilometres. It was established to conserve the
region’s biodiversity and protect the endangered Bengal Tiger

Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary- Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary was established in1987.

The sanctuary is situated in the Puri district of Odisha, along the eastern coast of
India. The Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Nalabana Bird Sanctuary,
covers an area of approximately 15.53 square kilometers within the larger
Chilika Lake, a brackish water lagoon in Odisha, India. Chilika Wildlife
Sanctuary, particularly the Chilika Lake, is famous for being the home to
the Irrawaddy dolphin, one of only two lagoons in the world that support this
species, and also a major wintering ground for migratory birds. The lake is a
major wintering ground for various migratory birds, attracting a diverse range
of species.

Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat-The Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary was
established under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 as one of the last bastions
for the endangered Indian wild ass. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, or Wild
Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in the state of
Gujarat, India, spread over an area of 4954 km². Apart from Indian Wild Ass,
the sanctuary is also home to various species of birds, making it a prime bird
watching site. Bird enthusiasts can witness various species of birds such as
Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and Demoiselle Crane,
among others. The sanctuary is situated in the Little Rann of Kutch, a vast
expanse of salt desert, which adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the place.
The barren landscape of the salt desert is dotted with shrubs and thorny bushes,
providing a stark contrast to the lush greenery of the surrounding areas.

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra- Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary was

notified in 1985 as a wildlife sanctuary situated in Maharashtra. It forms the
northern portion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, with Chandoli National Park
forming the southern part of the reserve. It is located in Satara district of the
Indian state of Maharashtra. It spans an area of about 423.6 km². Koyna
Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, is famous for being a
habitat for Bengal tigers, Indian bison, leopards, sloth bears, and sambar deer,
among other wildlife.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir- The Karakoram Wildlife

Sanctuary, established in 1987, is managed by the Wildlife Warden in Kargil,
Ladakh. It measures around 5,000 square kilometres (500,000 ha). The
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the easternmost part of the
Karakoram Range, specifically in the Leh district of the Indian union territory
of Ladakh. The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh is renowned for being
one of the few places in India with a migratory population of the Chiru, or
Tibetan Antelope. Besides the chiru, the sanctuary is also home to other species
like the snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal).
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh-The Tamor Pingla Wildlife
Sanctuary is a protected area in the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh, India. It's
part of the larger Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, a key area for
tiger conservation. The sanctuary is located near the Tamor Hill and Pingla
Nalla, which give it its name. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978.
This tiger reserve covers a total area of 2,829.38 square kilometres (1,092.43 sq
mi), including a core or critical tiger habitat of 2,049.2 square kilometres (791.2
sq mi), which consists of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and the Tamor
Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, along with a buffer zone of 780.15 square kilometres
(301.22 sq miles). The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich
biodiversity, particularly its Bengal tiger and Asian elephant populations. It also
serves as a vital habitat and migration route for several other wildlife species,
including leopards, Indian bison, sloth bears, and various deer and bird species.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam-The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was

established on October 1, 1928. It was initially a game reserve, later becoming a
wildlife sanctuary, and has since been expanded into a National Park and
UNESCO World Heritage site. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the State
of Assam in North-East India, a biodiversity hotspot. Covering an area of
39,100 hectares, it spans the Manas river and is bounded to the north by the
forests of Bhutan. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the core zone of the
283,700 hectares Manas Tiger Reserve, and lies alongside the shifting river
channels of the Manas River. The site provides critical and viable habitats for
rare and endangered species, including tiger, greater one-horned rhino, swamp
deer, pygmy hog and Bengal florican.

Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands-The

Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is an island of the Andaman Islands that
lies 125 km north from Port Blair. It was established in 1985. It covers
approximately 101 square kilometres. It was mainly established to protect the
island’s feral elephants, but animals like common palm civet, spotted deer,
Andaman wild pig, Andaman palm civet; three-striped palm squirrel and many
others also inhabit the sanctuary.

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh- This sanctuary was established

in 1975. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in
Madhya Pradesh, India, spanning approximately 1197 square kilometers. It is
located in the central part of the state, encompassing portions of Sagar, Damoh,
Narsinghpur, and Raisen districts. The sanctuary was considered as a potential
site for the reintroduction of Cheetahs in India due to its relatively open forest
and abundant prey base, but it currently acts as a corridor, connecting Panna and
Satpura Tiger Reserves.

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal- Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary was set
up in 1915 in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. It is one of the
oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India and covers an area of 38.6 km2 (14.9 sq mi).
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat for barking deer, wild boar,
Himalayan black bear, Indian leopard, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, Assam
macaque, and Himalayan flying squirrel.

IMPORTANT BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve-The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established in

1986. It is the first biosphere reserve in India. The reserve is located in the
Western Ghats and spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The total
area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is 5,520 sq. km. The Nilgiri Biosphere
Reserve is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly for the large population
of Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. It also houses significant populations
of Asian elephants, tigers, and gaur. The reserve is home to over 100 species of
mammals, 550 species of birds, and many other forms of life.

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve-The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve was

officially established in 1988. It was also recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1988. The area was first designated as a sanctuary in 1939, and
then became the Nanda Devi National Park in 1982. It is situated around the
peak of Nanda Devi (7816 m) in Chamoli Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, in
northern India. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is renowned for being a
home to numerous endangered species, particularly the snow leopard. Other
notable animals include the Himalayan musk deer, Asiatic black bear,
Himalayan brown bear, and bharal (blue sheep).

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve- The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve was established in

1988. It is located approximately 2 km away from Tura Peak in the West Garo
Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It spans an area of 47.48 square kilometres. It
has a red panda population that has piqued the interest of people all over the
world. It is also home to the Asiatic elephant and several species of wild cats,
ranging from a small marbled cat to the majestic tiger, as well as the clouded
leopard. The national park also serves as a haven for several critically
endangered and threatened fauna species, including the Slow Loris, Petaurista
Philippensis (Giant flying squirrel), and Macaca leonina (Pig-tailed macaque). It
also provides a home for rare primate species such as the Stump-tailed Macaque
and a large population of India's most endangered ape, the Hoolock Gibbon.

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve-The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve was

established in 1989. It was declared as the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in
India. The same year, it was also recognized by the Man and Biosphere (MAB)
Programme of UNESCO. The Gulf of Mannar extends between the southeastern
tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka. It includes 21 islands and the
adjacent coastline, covering a total area of 10,500 square kilometers. The
reserve is located in the districts of Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin in Tamil
Nadu. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is primarily known for the
dugong, a critically endangered marine mammal, also known as a sea cow. The
reserve is one of the few remaining habitats for this species, making it a key
area for its conservation. It's known for its high biodiversity, including coral
reefs, seagrass beds, and diverse marine life.
Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve-The Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve was
established in 1989 by the Government of India. It was later included in the
UNESCO Global Network of Biosphere Reserves in November 2001. The
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in India is the world's largest mangrove forest,
also known as the Ganges Delta. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a
crucial habitat for the Bengal tiger. The biosphere reserve includes a core area,
buffer zone, and transition zone, and is home to a diverse range of flora and
fauna, including 81 mangrove plant species, over 1500 animal species, and the
threatened Bengal tiger. It is situated in the Ganges Delta, south of Calcutta and
bordering Bangladesh. It spans 9,630 square kilometers (3,720 sq mi) in West
Bengal, India.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve-The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve was
formally created in 1989. It encompasses nearly 85% of the island of Great
Nicobar and includes two National Parks: Campbell Bay National Park and
Galathea National Park. It covers approximately 103,870 hectares. The Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its unique biodiversity, including
endemic and endangered species, protected ecosystems, and rich marine life. It's
a UNESCO-recognized site and a haven for tropical rainforests, diverse flora
and fauna, and critical nesting sites for sea turtles. It is particularly famous for
the Nicobar Megapode. Other notable animals found in the reserve include the
Nicobar Tree Shrew, Crab-eating Macaque, Dugong, Serpent Eagle, saltwater
crocodile, marine turtles, and Reticulated Python.
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve-The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve was
established in 1It is located in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, India.
999. UNESCO designated it as a biosphere reserve in 2009. The biosphere
reserve's total area is 4,926.28 square kilometres (1,217,310 acres). It includes
three wildlife conservation units; Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km2), Pachmarhi
Sanctuary (461.37 km2) and Satpura National Park (524.37 km2).Satpura
National Park is designated as the core zone and the remaining area of 4401.91
km2, including the Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries, serves as the buffer zone.
The reserve is home to 42 tigers, 964 barking deers, 74 panthers, 3475 wild
boar, 1223 guars, 981 samphars, 981 Cheetals, 1282 Rhesus macaque, 6
crocodiles and several other interesting animal species. The reptiles like lizards,
skinks, gecleos amphibia are also found in this reserve. The animals like Giant
Squirrels, Rhesus Monkeys, and Flying Squirrels are endemic to the area and
the Crested Serpent Eagles can be rarely spotted in the Pachmarhi Biosphere
Reserve. Cobra, Pythons, Krait and Boa are some snakes that are found in the
jungles of Pachmarhi. Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, black eagle,
Malabar Whistling Thrush is the variety of birds commonly seen here.
Similipal Biosphere Reserve-Similipal Biosphere Reserve was declared as a
biosphere reserve by the Government of India in 1994. It was also recognized as
part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. The
Similipal Biosphere Reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj district of the state of
Odisha, India. It is part of the northernmost region of Odisha. The Similipal
Biosphere Reserve spans a total area of 2,750 square kilometres. The Similipal
Biosphere Reserve serves to protect diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal
Bengal tiger and Asian elephant, and to ensure sustainable development that
considers the socio-economic needs of local tribal communities. It aims to
conserve biodiversity, support sustainable practices, and integrate conservation
efforts with local community livelihoods. It has the largest zone of Sal trees in
India.
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve-The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is a
UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats of India. It's known
for its rich biodiversity, rare species, and unique ecosystems. The reserve spans
parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was established in 2001, and spans an area of
approximately 3,500 km². The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in India is
renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its diverse plant life, including
numerous medicinal plants and endemic species. It's also a habitat for various
endangered animals, including tigers and elephants, and is home to the
Kanikaran, one of the oldest surviving indigenous tribes.

IMPORTANT NATIONAL PARKS

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand-Jim Corbett National Park was
established in 1936. The park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas—
about 35 miles (50 km) northwest of Ramnagar, the park headquarters—and lies
at elevations ranging from some 1,260 to 3,610 feet (385 to 1,100 metres). It
mainly occupies the broad Patlidoon Valley, through which the Ramganga
River flows in a westerly direction. It spans an area of 1318 square kilometres.
The park was established mainly for the protection of the Bengal tiger ; it is
there that India’s Project Tiger was established in 1973 to provide havens for
tigers in the country’s national parks. Among other mammals found in the park
are langurs, sloth bears, Asiatic black bears, Indian gray mongooses, jungle cats,
elephants, wild boars, chitals (spotted deer), barking deer, and nilgai (Indian
antelope). Reptiles and amphibians include a variety of snakes (including cobras
and pythons) and species of crocodiles (notably gavials and muggers). At least
600 resident and migrant bird species have been identified, including shikras
(Levant sparrowhawks), Indian white-backed vultures, black partridges, golden
orioles, red jungle fowl, black-crowned night herons, and peafowl.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam- Kaziranga National Park famous for its one-
horned Rhinoceros is located in Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of
Assam. Kaziranga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The
park has an area of some 430 square km and lies between the Brahmaputra
River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills. The Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was
created with an area of 232 square km on 1st June 1905 and with the enactment
of Assam National Park Act of 1968 it was declared as the National Park. It is a
protected area that is rich in natural beauty and diversity of flora and fauna.
Apart from one-horned rhinoceros with a population of 2613 dated March,
2022, the park is the breeding ground of elephants, wild water buffalo, and
swamp deer. Over the time, the tiger population has also increased in
Kaziranga, and that’s the reason why Kaziranga was declared as Tiger Reserve
in 2006. Birds like lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, Baer’s pochard
duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and Asian
Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central Asia during the winter season.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan- Ranthambore National Park, set up in

1955, is one of the most well-known and largest national parks in Northern
India. It’s located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, about 130 km
from Jaipur. Spread across 392 square kilometers, the park also includes the
nearby Mansingh and Kaila Devi sanctuaries. Ranthambore is especially famous
for its tigers, making it a top destination for anyone hoping to spot one in the
wild. But it's not just about tigers—the park is home to other big cats like
leopards and caracals, along with animals like wild boars, foxes, langurs, and
several kinds of deer and antelope. Reptile lovers will also find plenty to see,
from monitor lizards and cobras to pythons and marsh crocodiles. And for
birdwatchers, it’s a paradise, with species like flamingos, storks, owls,
parakeets, and many more adding to the park's vibrant ecosystem.

Gir National Park, Gujarat- It was established in 1965. Gir National Park,
national park in Gujarat state, west-central India, located about 37 miles (60
km) south-southwest of Junagadh in a hilly region of dry scrubland. It has an
area of about 500 square miles (1,295 square km). Vegetation consists of teak
with an admixture of deciduous trees, including sal (Shorea robusta), dhak
(Butea frondosa), and thorn [Link] Gir Forests Reserve, created in 1913 to
protect the largest of the surviving groups of Asiatic lions, was accorded
sanctuary status in 1965. Several hundred Asiatic lions have been bred in the
sanctuary since it was established. “Lion shows” consisting of guided tours in
protected vehicles are held regularly for visitors. Other fauna include leopards,
wild pigs, spotted deer, nilgai (a type of antelope), four-horned antelope, and
chinkaras (a type of gazelle). A large central water hole contains a few
crocodiles.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh- It was established in 1968.

Bandhavgarh National Park is spread over the Vindhya hills in Madhya
Pradesh. The national park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer
area of approximately 400 sq km. The topography of the whole area varies
between steep ridges, undulating forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh
National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the tiger
population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India as well as in the world.
The national park was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and
at present is a famous natural hub for White Tigers.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh- Kanha National Park was established in
1955 and later included under Project Tiger in 1973. Covering an area of 940
square kilometers, this national park is home to tigers, leopards, elephants,
gaurs, wild dogs, and numerous bird species. Spread across the Balaghat and
Mandla districts of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of India’s
premier wildlife sanctuaries. This national park is famous for its diverse
wildlife. The major attraction here is the ‘Barasingha,’ also known as the “Jewel
of Kanha.” Apart from this, tigers, leopards, jackals, sloth bears, wild boars,
deer, and nilgai can also be spotted. Bird lovers can enjoy watching over 300
species of birds that inhabit the park.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka- It was established in 1988. Nagarahole,

spread over Mysore and Kodagu is covering an area of 847.981 Sq km.
Nagarahole is an important Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and is a major hub of
conservation under Project Tiger and Project Elephant. The Protected Area
supports large assemblages of carnivores and herbivores: Tiger, Leopard,
Asiatic wild dog and Sloth bear, Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital,
Muntjac, Four horned antelope, Wild pig, Mouse deer and South-western
langur. Nagarahole is contiguous with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to
its south and Bandipur Tiger Reserve to its southeastern parts. The park has a
good number of streams and rivulets. The Kabini and Taraka reservoirs are
large water bodies located towards the west and southeastern parts of the park
respectively.

Hemis National Park, Ladakh- It was established in 1981 and spans an area of
4400 square kilometres. Hemis National Park is located in Ladakh of Jammu
and Kashmir. The park is quite famous among tourists for its population of
snow leopards. This is the only park in the country, which is located in the
northern region of Himalayas and it is the largest national park in the country.
With Indus and Zaskar Rivers flowing at its boundaries, Hemis National Park is
a picturesque holiday destination, which is flanked by five villages namely
Shingo, Chillinga, Yurutse, Rumbak, and Sku-Kaya.

What lacunae still plagues our country?

India shelters a diverse flora and fauna and has put maximum efforts to protect
its biodiversity- but what little things are we still missing? Several lacunae
hinder wildlife conservation efforts in India, including inadequate funding and
resources, insufficient manpower and training, corruption and political
interference, and socio-economic pressures. Additionally, gaps in the legal
framework, particularly concerning the protection of exotic species and the
trade in wildlife products, present significant challenges. Unfortunately, the
trade in exotic species does not fall within the purview of the Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972, leaving a gaping legal hole in India’s wildlife protection
system. This lacuna is well-exploited by those involved at various levels of the
wildlife trade supply chain. This legal limitation prevents judicial authorities
from detaining parties involved in such activities.

A step in the right direction- What can we do?

While a lot of things remain out of our hands as citizens, there is a lot that we
can still do to protect the rich heritage bequeathed to us by the motherland. We
can actively contribute to wildlife conservation by supporting responsible
tourism, reducing our carbon footprint, avoiding products that harm wildlife,
and volunteering with local conservation organizations. We can also advocate
for policy changes that protect wildlife and their habitats, educate ourselves and
others about the importance of conservation, and make sustainable choices in
our daily lives. The bottom line is- there is always little steps that make up big
decisions for the future.