National Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India

Expanding India’s Conservation Vision

National Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India: India hosts nearly 8% of global biodiversity, making species conservation a national priority. Over the decades, several targeted programmes have been launched to restore threatened populations and safeguard ecosystems. These initiatives strengthen ecological resilience and support sustainable development. Static GK fact: India’s first national park was Hailey National Park (now Jim Corbett National Park) established in 1936.

Project Tiger

Launched in 1973, Project Tiger transformed big-cat protection in India. Its backbone is the network of 50+ Tiger Reserves overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Habitat improvement, anti-poaching patrolling and radio-collar monitoring helped India reach over 3,000 tigers, the world’s highest tiger population. Static GK fact: The Sundarbans is the only mangrove tiger habitat on Earth.

Project Elephant

Started in 1992, Project Elephant aims to secure the Asian Elephant, a National Heritage Animal. Priority states include Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. The programme emphasizes elephant corridor protection, conflict reduction and scientific population estimation. Tracking technologies and community participation remain core pillars. Static GK Tip: India is home to over 60% of the global Asian Elephant population.

Project Lion

The Asiatic Lion Conservation Programme protects the world’s only wild Asiatic Lion population in Gir, Gujarat. Habitat expansion and disease-risk management are central to the Lion Landscape Development initiative. Conservationists focus on reducing genetic bottlenecks and supporting surrounding communities.

Project Dolphin

Announced in 2020, Project Dolphin covers both the Ganges River Dolphin and the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin. The mission includes river cleaning, anti-poaching operations, acoustic monitoring and local awareness drives. It aligns closely with national river-rejuvenation programmes. Static GK fact: The Ganges River Dolphin is India’s National Aquatic Animal.

Crocodilian Conservation

Project Crocodile (1975) addressed severe declines in the Gharial, Mugger and Saltwater Crocodile. Captive breeding, wetland protection and the establishment of sites like the National Chambal Sanctuary improved recovery.
Project Gharial (2008) strengthened riverine monitoring and expanded breeding centres across Chambal, Son and Gandak basins.

High-Altitude Conservation

Project Snow Leopard (2009) spans Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Its approach blends climate research with community-led habitat protection. Static GK fact: The snow leopard is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Regional Species Initiatives

Efforts such as Project Hangul in Dachigam, Project Sloth Bear across central India, and the Great Indian Bustard Programme in Rajasthan and Gujarat prioritize conflict mitigation, breeding centres and grassland restoration.
Conservation for Red Panda, Blackbuck and Vultures includes corridor recovery, diclofenac-control measures and scientific monitoring.
Assam’s Rhino Vision 2020 boosted the One-Horned Rhino population through translocation and enhanced patrolling in Kaziranga, Pobitora and Orang.

Why These Programmes Matter

These programmes protect endangered fauna, ensure ecological balance and support eco-tourism livelihoods. They reflect India’s leadership in biodiversity conservation and long-term environmental stewardship.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

National Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India: