Evaluate the effectiveness of current biodiversity conservation strategies implemented in India in…

Question

Evaluate the effectiveness of current biodiversity conservation strategies implemented in India in conserving endangered species.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

India's conservation strategies have revived flagship species and widened protected areas, but remain narrow, under-funded and weak outside reserves and on human-wildlife conflict. Tigers rose from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022 under Project Tiger, and protected areas grew from 745 in 2014 to 1,134 in 2025.

**Introduction**

India, a mega-biodiversity hotspot, faces severe threats to endangered species from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, necessitating effective conservation strategies aligned with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

**Assessing Effectiveness of Biodiversity Conservation Strategies in India**

1. **Protected Areas⟦2⟧⟦1⟧ and Community Reserves Expansion**: Protected areas grew from 745 in 2014 to 1,134 in 2025, covering 5.3% of land, aiding species like tigers and elephants; Community Reserves increased from 43 to 220, reflecting enhanced local participation.

2. **Flagship Species Recovery Programs**: Project Tiger⟦3⟧ boosted tiger populations from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022; Project Elephant⟦4⟧ and Project Snow Leopard contributed to stabilizing endangered species through habitat management and conflict mitigation.

**Contribution to Conserving Endangered Species**

1. **Legal and Policy Frameworks**: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its amendments provide strong legal protection for Schedule I species; the updated NBSAP 2024–30 emphasizes ecosystem-based management and community involvement.

2. **Community-Based Conservation and Indigenous Knowledge**: Rising Community Reserves and initiatives like ==Telangana==’s Mission Kakatiya empower local communities and support aquatic biodiversity.

**Strengths and Weaknesses of Conservation Strategies**

1. **Strengths**: Robust legal frameworks and institutions like the National Board for Wildlife, plus expanding protected areas and community participation, underpin conservation efforts.

2. **Weaknesses**: Funding cuts, bureaucratic opacity, restricted research access, and neglect of non-protected ecosystems limit effectiveness; human-wildlife conflicts remain a critical challenge.

**Conclusion**

While India’s biodiversity strategies have achieved notable successes, addressing funding, governance, and ecosystem inclusivity is essential for conserving endangered species sustainably.

Evaluate the effectiveness of current biodiversity conservation strategies implemented in India in conserving endangered species.

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