Answer:
- Project Tiger was launched on April 1, 1973, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, through the efforts of 'Tiger Man of India' Kailash Sankhala.
Objectives:
- To provide in-situ conservation to the endangered population of tigers in their natural habitats.
- To maintain ecological balance by ensuring the availability of food chains, habitats, and safe breeding sites.
- To minimize human interference through the core and buffer strategy.
Achievements:
- Institutional Development: Constitution of the statutory body NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) through the 2006 amendment.
- Network Expansion: Notified tiger reserves in India increased from 9 to a total of 58
(5 in Rajasthan: Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundara Hills, Ramgarh Vishdhari, and Dholpur-Karauli). - Target Achievement (Tx2): The global target of doubling the tiger population was achieved ahead of schedule; currently, with approximately 3,682 to 3,925 tigers, more than 75% of the world's tiger population is secured in India.