Madhav National Park in MP becomes India’s 58th Tiger Reserve

Context

The Centre declared the Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as the country’s 58th tiger reserve on Sunday, with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav making the announcement.

The newly added tiger reserve is also the ninth from the State to get the recognition.

Located in Shivpuri district in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, the reserve has a population of five tigers at present, including two cubs born recently.

Three tigers, including two females, were introduced to the Madhav National Park in 2023 as part of the tiger reintroduction project in the State.

Project Tiger

Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

The first country-wide tiger census in 1972 estimated the population to comprise more than 1,800 individuals, highlighting a significant reduction in tiger numbers.

Project Tiger was launched in Jim Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand in 1973, and various tiger reserves were created in the country based on a ‘core-buffer’ strategy

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2006 created the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

Established in December 2005 following the Tiger Task Force recommendations, the NTCA administers Project Tiger.

Tiger reserves in India are governed by NTCA guidelines, with field directors overseeing administration.

Changes to reserve boundaries require NTCA recommendations and the approval of the National Board for Wildlife, and no state government can de notify a reserve without these approvals.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests (MoEFCC)