INDIA’S 52ND TIGER RESERVE
The Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary in Rajasthan was notified as India's 52nd tiger reserve. This has become the fourth tiger reserve in Rajasthan after Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukundra. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had on July 5, 2021 given its in-principle approval to notify Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas as a Tiger reserve.
RAMGARH VISHDHARI TIGER RESERVE
The Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary includes the tiger habitat between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in the northeast and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve on the southern side. The reserve has been called 'critical' by wildlife experts and conservationists for the movement of Tigers between Ranthambore and Mukundra reserves. Apart from Tigers, the reserve is also home to other animals including leopard, nilgai, Indian wolf, striped hyena, sloth bear, golden jackal, chinkara and fox. The Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve will span across an area of 1,501.89 sq km. Ramgarh Vishdhari reserve is located mostly in the Bundi district and in part in Bhilwara and Kota districts.
TIGERS IN INDIA
As per the "Status of Tigers in India'' report released in 2019, there are around 2,967 tigers in 20 states across the country.
What happens when an area gets notified as a wildlife reserve?
When an area gets notified as a wildlife reserve, it is protected by law.
Background: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had given in-principle' approval for marking Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas as a tiger reserve on July 5, 2021 under Section 38 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Following the approval, an expert committee was constituted by the State Government for the identification of Critical Tiger Habitat (Core) and Buffer Area of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve. The committee submitted its report to the state government on January 24, 2022 for the determination of the core and buffer area of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. It was established in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force. It was constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it.
PROJECT TIGER
Project Tiger is an ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change providing central assistance to the tiger States for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves. India now has as many as 2,967 tigers in the wild, with more than half of them in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, according to the latest tiger estimation report for 2018. The population of tigers has increased by 33% since the last census in 2014 when the total estimate was 2,226.
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY OBSERVED ON 3RD MARCH
World Wildlife Day has been celebrated every year on the 3rd of March since 2013. The date chosen coincides with the day of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which was signed in 1973. The UNGA (General Assembly) resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN (United Nations) calendar.
What is the theme of 2022?
- Theme: Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration. This theme is chosen as a way to draw attention to the conservation status of some of the most critically endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
- Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was transferred from State to Concurrent List. Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and Wildlife. Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State policy, mandates that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The Act was enacted for the protection of plants and animal species. It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Prior to this legislation, India had only five designated national parks. At present, there are 101 National Parks in India.
- The WildLife (Protection) Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India had only five designated national parks. Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed. The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India.
TEST YOURSELF
Q.1 The Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary which was notified as India's 52nd tiger reserve is located in which of the following states?
- Rajasthan: ANSWER
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- None of the above-mentioned
Q.2 Under which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and Wildlife?
- Article 39B
- Article 44A
- Article 51A (g)
- None of the above-mentioned
Q.3 Consider the given statements & state which of the following is/are correct in the reference to the above mentioned passage?
- Project Tiger Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change providing central assistance to the tiger States for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves.
- India now has as many as 2,967 tigers in the wild, with more than half of them in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
- Only I follows
- Only II follows
- Both I & II follows: ANSWER
- None of the following
Q.4 Which of the following statements is correct in the context of the above mentioned passage?
- After the addition India has total 41 Ramsar Sites: ANSWER
- Soor Sarovar Lake is also known as the Lonar Lake.
- Madhya Pradesh has the most number of Ramsar Sites in India
- None of the above
Q.5 Wetlands International is a conservation organization. Which of the following statements is correct in the same context?
- Only the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention are a party to it.
- It is an intergovernmental organization.
- It is an organization working at ground level to use practical knowledge for framing better policies: ANSWER
- All of the above
