India has expanded its tiger conservation footprint with the declaration of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as its 57th tiger reserve. The creation of these reserves highlights India’s commitment to protecting its tiger population, which constitutes over 70% of the global wild tiger population.
Tiger reserves are specially designated areas established under the Project Tiger initiative of 1973 to conserve tigers and their habitats. Each reserve comprises:
- Core Areas: Legally designated as national parks or sanctuaries, where human activity is minimal.
- Buffer Zones: A mix of forest and non-forest land maintained as a transition zone for both wildlife and human activities.
As of now, India’s 57 tiger reserves cover 82,000 sq. km, about 2.3% of its geographical area. These areas serve as crucial habitats for biodiversity conservation.
