Role of wildlife corridors in tiger conservation

Why in news?

Sahyadri-Konkan wildlife corridor will play a crucial role in translocating tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.

Why Maharashtra plans to translocate tigers to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)?

STR comprises of Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Historical challenges- Tiger population in Sahyadri region has faced many challenges such as poaching, habitat loss, and a depleted prey base, have led to a decline in tiger numbers.
• Need of intervention- Despite the establishment of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, the tiger population has not increased significantly.

• Population stagnation- The reserve has struggled to attract breeding tigers, further exacerbating decline in population.
• Occasional evidence- The reserve has limited evidence of tiger presence such as pugmarks indicates a small number of tigers moving within the reserve this underscores the urgency of action to revitalize the tiger population within the reserve.
• Improve genetic diversity- Translocation of tigers presents a strategic opportunity to infuse new genetic diversity into the population and potentially catalyse breeding efforts.
• Sahyadri-Konkan wildlife corridor- The corridor must be secure enough and free from human disturbance to achieve the objective of translocation.

What role do wildlife corridors play in conservation?

• Facilitate gene flow- It enable tigers to traverse human-dominated landscapes safely, minimizing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts and increasing their chances of successful dispersal and breeding.
• Sustainable infrastructure- Measures such as the construction of underpasses, wildlife crossings, and overpasses are increasingly implemented to safeguard tigers and other wildlife from the impacts of linear infrastructure projects that fragment habitats.
• Preserve migratory routes- The construction of overpasses on NH-7 between Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves, ensures the safe passage of tigers and other wildlife underneath the elevated stretches, preserving their migratory routes.
• Mapping of corridors- National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India’s mapping of 32 major tiger corridors is a significant step towards understanding and preserving these essential habitats.

What can be done for tiger recovery?

• Habitat improvement- It involves restoring degraded habitats to enhance their quality and resilience in activities such as reforestation, soil conservation, water management, and invasive species control.
• Prey base enhancement- Increasing the populations of natural prey species like deer and wild boar creates a healthier ecosystem.
• Mitigate human-tiger conflict-Increasing the natural prey would reduce the need for tigers to venture into human settlements for food, enhancing both human safety and the ecological integrity of the forest.
• Corridor strengthening- Wildlife corridors are crucial for allowing tigers to move between habitat patches, which can aid in recolonization of areas where tigers have become locally extinct and help maintain genetic diversity.
• Anti-poaching measures- Implementing rigorous anti-poaching efforts such as increased patrolling, enforcement of wildlife protection laws and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal hunting and trade of tigers and their prey species.
• Community engagement- Engaging local communities in tiger conservation efforts through education, awareness programs, and livelihood support initiatives can foster greater support and participation in conservation activities.
• Research- Conducting scientific research to better understand tiger ecology, behaviour, and population dynamics is essential for informing conservation strategies and monitoring the effectiveness of conservation efforts over time.
• Project tiger- It is a flagship conservation program launched in 1973 aimed at conserving and increasing tiger population in India
• International cooperation- Collaborating with neighbouring countries and international organizations to address transboundary conservation challenges is crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of tigers.
• Translocation- It should be considered as a last resort, it should be based on thorough scientific assessments and community consultations.

References

1. Indian Express- Maharashtra to translocate tigers
2. WWF- Urgent need to increase prey augmentation