MoEFCC approval for tiger translocation
MoEFCC Approval for Tiger Translocation to Sahyadri: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted approval for the translocation of eight tigers. The decision comes under Section 12 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which mandates prior permission for the movement of Schedule I species.
Role of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Under the Act, Central Government approval is required for the translocation of Schedule I animals such as tigers. For other wild species, the respective State Government has authority. The MoEFCC also retains the power to revoke permits if safety concerns or mishaps occur during the process.
Static GK fact: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, created six schedules to categorize protection levels for species.
Translocation details and purpose
The approved plan involves moving three male and five female tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The primary objective is to revive tiger populations in the northern Western Ghats, where they had become nearly extinct.
NTCA role in conservation
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already cleared the proposal, ensuring that ecological and conservation standards are met. NTCA plays a key role in formulating guidelines and monitoring translocations across India.
Static GK Tip: NTCA was established in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act amendments and functions under MoEFCC.
Benefits of tiger translocation
The initiative is expected to restore predator-prey balance, reduce human-tiger conflict in overpopulated zones, and support rewilding of degraded landscapes. Such efforts contribute to maintaining ecosystem health in critical tiger habitats.
Challenges and concerns
Despite the ecological benefits, tiger translocation faces challenges. Local community resistance, territorial clashes among tigers, and inadequate forest management such as lack of prey species remain significant hurdles. These factors need to be addressed to ensure long-term success.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve highlights
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve was notified in 2010 through the amalgamation of Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. It represents the northernmost tiger habitat in the Western Ghats.
Key features include the Shivsagar Reservoir (Koyna River) and Vasant Sagar Reservoir (Warana River). The forests host species such as leopards, wild dogs, gaur, sambar, four-horned antelope, giant squirrel, and endemic hornbills.
Static GK fact: The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their biodiversity and endemism.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
MoEFCC Approval for Tiger Translocation to Sahyadri:
| Topic | Detail |
| Ministry approval | MoEFCC granted permission for tiger translocation |
| Legal basis | Section 12, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Number of tigers | Eight (3 males, 5 females) |
| Source reserves | Tadoba-Andhari and Pench Tiger Reserves |
| Destination reserve | Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra |
| NTCA role | Cleared and approved translocation plan |
| Benefits | Ecological balance, conflict reduction, rewilding |
| Concerns | Local protests, territorial clashes, poor prey base |
| Year of Sahyadri notification | 2010 |
| Major reservoirs | Shivsagar (Koyna River), Vasant Sagar (Warana River) |
