National Parks and Tiger Reserves in India

National Parks & Tiger Reserves in India
Protected Area Network

IUCN
IUCN and India
IUCN protected area categories
IUCN Red List
IUCN criteria
IUCN Red list categories
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserve
Tillari Conservation Reserve
National Parks in India

Category II: National Park
Declaration of the Protected Area by the State government
Declared By the Central government
Project Tiger
Project Tiger
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Powers and functions of NTCA
Structure of a Tiger Reserve
Tiger Task Force
Tiger Census
Methods for Tiger Census
Tiger Census, 2014
Tiger Census, 2018
M-STrIPES
Protection Status
Global Tiger Forum
Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)
Conservation Assured Tiger Standard Accreditation (CATS)
National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise

Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Haryana
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
Bihar
Assam
Arunachal Pradesh
Meghalaya
Nagaland
Manipur
Mizoram
Tripura
Sikkim
West Bengal
Jharkhand
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Orissa
Chhattisgarh
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Telangana
Goa
Jharkhand
Madhya Pradesh
Andaman & Nicobar
Project Elephant
Project Elephant
Objectives
Elephant Corridor
MIKE Programme
Haathi Mere Saathi Campaign
Project Elephant sites

Shivalik Elephant Reserve
Nilgiri Elephant corridor
Protected Area Network
IUCN
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Established in 1948.
It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects, advocacy, and education.
It has a membership of over 1400 governmental and non-governmental organizations.
IUCN has observer and consultative status at the United Nations, (and plays a role in the
implementation of several international conventions on nature conservation and biodiversity.
It was involved in establishing the World-Wide Fund for Nature and the World Conservation
Monitoring Centre.
IUCN and India
India, a megadiverse country with only 2.4% of the world's land area, accounts for 7-8% of all
recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals.
India became a State Member of IUCN in 1969
IUCN protected area categories:

Category Ia – Strict Nature Reserve
Category Ib – Wilderness Area
Category II – National Park
Category III – Natural Monument or Feature
Category IV – Habitat/Species Management Area
Category V – Protected Landscape/Seascape/Area
Category VI – Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources
In India,there are four major categories of Protected areas. These protected areas are constituted
under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The four categories of protected areas
are:
1.Wildlife Sanctuaries CAT 4 2.National Parks CAT 2 3.CommunityReserves CAT 6 4.Conservation
Reserve CAT 5
Apart From these protected areas,India also has the following:
BiodiversityReserves
TigerReserves
ElephantReserves
NOTE-BIOSPHERE RESERVE – CAT 5 -UNESCO
As of June 2021, there were 993 notified protected areas covering 5.59% of India’s land area. This is
far below Target 11 of the Aichi Targets – which states that by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial and
inland water areas should be conserved under Protected Areas.
IUCN Red List

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) was
founded in 1964.
It has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global
conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.
A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations.
IUCN criteria
The IUCN system uses a set of five quantitative criteria to assess the extinction risk of a given species.
In general, these criteria consider:
The rate of population decline.
The geographic range.
Whether the species already possesses a small population size (mature individuals only).
Whether the species population is very small or lives in a restricted area.
Whether the results of a quantitative analysis indicate a high probability of extinction in the wild.
IUCN Red list categories

Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups:
Extinct (EX)– No known individuals remaining.
Extinct in the wild (EW)– Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its
historic range.
Critically endangered (CR)– Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild; Population decline- more
than 90% in the last 10
years or three generations.
Endangered (EN)– High risk of extinction in the wild; Population decline: >70% in the last 10 years or
three generations.
Vulnerable (VU)– High risk of endangerment in the wild; Population decline: >50% in the last 10 years.
Near threatened (NT)– Likely to become endangered in the near future.
Least concern (LC)– Lowest risk (Does not qualify for a more at-risk category; widespread and
abundant taxa are included in this category.)
Data deficient (DD)– Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
Not evaluated (NE)– Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
? The “Red Data Books'' published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN) contain list of: (UPSC CSE 2011)
Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
Threatened plant and animal species.
Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries. Select the
correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and3 (d) 3only
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserve

Conservation Reserves and community reserves are terms denoting protected areas which typically
act as buffer zones too or connectors and migration corridors between established national
parks,wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved and protected forests ofIndia.
Such areas are designated conservation areas if they are uninhabited, completely owned by the
Government of India but used for subsistence by communities, and community areas if part of the
lands are privately owned.
These Protected Area categories were first introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of
2002− the amendment to theWildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Amendments to the Wildlife protection act in 2003, provided a mechanism for
recognitionandlegalbacking to the community initiated efforts in wildlife protection.
It provides a flexible system to achieve wildlife conservation without compromising community
needs. These categories were added because of reduced protection and around existing or proposed
protected areas due to private ownership of land and land use.
These categories roughly correspond to IUCN Category V (conservation reserves) and VI (community
reserves) protected areas.
Tillari Conservation Reserve

The Maharashtra Government has declared 29.53 sq km area of Dodamarg forest range in
Sindhudurg district as‘Tillari Conservation Reserve’.(Jul 2020)
Tillari is the seventh wildlife corridor in the state to be declared as a ‘conservation reserve’
The area covering nine villages in the forest range is known to serve as a corridor and even as a
habitat for the population of tigers and elephants moving between the three states of Goa,Karnataka,
and Maharashtra
It connects the Mhadei sanctuary in Goa and Bhimgad Karnataka.
It has semi-evergreen forests,tropical moist deciduous forests, and a number of unique trees,
butterflies, and flowers.

National park has more restrictions as compared to a wildlife sanctuary. Their boundaries are fixed
and defined.
Here, no human activity is allowed.They cannot be downgraded to the status of a ‘sanctuary’.National
parks can be declared both by the CentralGovernment and State governments.
National parks in India are IUCN category II protected areas. India’s first national parkways
established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park,Uttarakhand.
The Chief Wildlife Warden shall be the authority who shall control, manage, and maintain all
protected areas.
No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without the
approval of the NBWL.
National Board for Wildlife Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. chaired by the Prime Minister 47 members
including the Prime Minister. Among these, 19 members are ex-officio members.
Other members include three Members of Parliament (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya
Sabha), five NGOs, and 10 eminent ecologists, conservationists, and environmentalists.
Category II: National Park

Large natural or near natural areas set aside to protect large scale ecological processes, along with
the complement of species and ecosystems characteristic of the area, which also provide a
foundation for environmentally and culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational,
recreational and visitor opportunities.
Declaration of the Protected Area by the State government

Initial Notification: The State government may, by notification,declare its intention to constitute any
area within or outside any reserve forest as a sanctuary/national park ifit considers that such area is
of adequate ecological,faunal,floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance,for the
purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment.
Final Notification: After the initial notification has been issued and the period for preferring claims
has elapsed,the State government may issue a notification specifying the limits of the area which can
be comprised within the sanctuary and declare the said area shall be a sanctuary/national park from
such date as may be specified thenotification.
Declared By the Central government

The CentralGovernment may declare an area to be a sanctuary/national park ifitis satisfied that the
area is of adequate ecological,faunal,floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance,for
the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment.
Project Tiger
Centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1973.
The project aims at ensuring a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and protecting
them from extinction..
Project Tiger is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA)

Boss? Ministry of Environment & Forest
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 provided for creating the National Tiger
Conservation Authority.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body.
The Minister of State for Environment and Forests is the Vice-chairperson.
Powers and functions of NTCA

Approval of Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by States .
Laying down normative standards for tiger conservation,
Providing information on several aspects which include protection, tiger estimation, patrolling, etc.,
Ensuring measures for addressing man-wild animal conflicts and fostering coexistence with local
people,
Preparing annual report for laying before Parliament,
Ensuring agricultural, livelihood interests of people living in and around Tiger Reserves.
Structure of a Tiger Reserve

Tiger reserves which are governed by Project Tiger have two zones:
Core zone:
Critical inviolate tiger habitat areas
It has the legal status of a national park or wildlife sanctuary
It is kept free of all biotic and human disturbances
BufferZone:
Surrounds core zone.
It aims at promoting coexistence between wildlife and human activity.
The livelihood, developmental, social and cultural rights of the local people are recognised in this
zone.
[Note: The alteration of boundaries or denotification of Tiger Reserves can be done by state
governments but only with the prior approval of NTCA and National Board for WildLife.]
Tiger Task Force

The implementation of Project Tiger over the years has highlighted the need for a statutory authority
with the legal backing to ensure tiger conservation.
ESTD- 2005
On the basis of the recommendations of the National Board for Wild Life, a Task Force was set up to
look into the problems of tiger conservation in the country.
The recommendations of the Task Force include strengthening Project Tiger by giving it statutory and
administrative powers.
Tiger Census
Indian Tiger Census is conducted by NTCA in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
(The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment
Forest and Climate change, Government of India, was established in 1982.Dehradun)
Conducted after every 4 years (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018).
In the case of tigers, every individual tiger will have a unique stripe pattern— just like our fingerprints.
(Camera trapping method scans stripes)
Where the camera trappings are unavailable because of logistical constraints, DNA extracts from scat
(poop) samples are collected for analysis. (July 29th- Global Tiger Day)
2021 Theme of Global Tiger Day: “Their survival is in our hand”
Methods for Tiger Census

PugmarkTechnique:
Most popular technique

A tiger leaves a distinct pugmark on the ground, different from that of others in the big cat family.
This is the cheapest technique and can assess the number, sex ratio and age (young or adult) of large
cats but it is not very reliable as its accuracy is not very good.
Camera trapping Method:
Heat and motion sensitive cameras with night vision facilities are installed in tiger areas and left for
several days to capture images of individual tigers.
Accuracy is almost the same as the Pugmark method.
But it does not involve a labor survey done in the Pugmark method, therefore there is no local
employment generation.
Also cameras cannot be installed at every place that is likely to have tigers.
Also, there is no certainty that the tiger would walk into a camera range.
Salty, hot and humid areas=> Damage to camera
Costlier method than Pugmark.
Poop/scat Method: Poop/scat (droppings of the tiger) is analyzed by DNA sampling to arrive at a
more accurate count.
Radio Collar Method: Tigers are captured and are fitted with a radio collar. (This method fails when
the concerned tiger enters the salty water)
Double-sampling Method: First count by Pugmark technique, then reconfirmation by Camera
trapping method;
Tiger Census, 2014

“Status of Tigers in India, 2014” report by NTCA Findings:
India is home to world’s 70% of the world's tigers.
30% increase from 2011; 2226 tigers in 2014 (1706 in 2010; 1411 tigers in 2006)
Karnataka has the highest number of tigers.
The tiger population has increased in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
Kerala.
The Mudumalai-Bandipur-Nagarhole-Wayanad belt across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala: 570
tigers. (world’s single largest tiger population)
Decline in population in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh due to poaching and
insurgency.
Tiger Census, 2018

This is the first time neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan took part in the census
because they constitute a larger tiger range in the Indian subcontinent.
This collaboration ensured that there is no double counting of tigers that move between national
borders and it will be possible to count how many are shared between the countries.
Parks sharing borders:
Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan: Manas National Park in Assam.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar: Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh: Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal.

Findings of tiger census, 2018 - ‘Status of Tigers in India –2018’:
There has been a 33 per cent jump in the number of tigers from 2014.
The number of tigers increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018.
Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526, closely followed by Karnataka at 524 with
Uttarakhand at number 3 with 442 tigers.
India achieved its commitment to the St.Petersburg Declaration, of doubling Tiger population, much
in advance to the 2022 deadline.
Chhattisgarh and Mizoram saw a decline in their tiger numbers while tiger’s numbers in Odisha
remained constant.
India is home to 80 percent of tigers in the world. In 2006, there were 1,411 tigers which increased to
1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014 and 2967 in 2018.
Increase in Tiger population: Madhya Pradesh (71%) > Maharashtra (64%) > Karnataka (29%).
Madhya Pradesh's Pench Sanctuary and Kerala’s Periyar sanctuary emerged as the best- managed
tiger reserves in the country.
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu registered the “maximum improvement” since 2014.
The Dampa and Rajaji reserves in Mizoram and Uttarakhand respectively are at the bottom of the list
in terms of Tiger count.
No tiger has been found in the Buxa (West Bengal), Palamau (Jharkhand) and Dampa (Mizoram)
reserves.
Corbett has highest number of 252-266 tigers in country
Largest Tiger Reserve in India– Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)
Smallest Tiger Reserve in India– Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)
M-STrIPES
M-STrIPES = Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.
Android software for collecting, archiving and analyzing data.
Forest guards in tiger reserves are equipped with personal digital assistants and GPS devices to
capture data relating to tiger sightings, deaths, wildlife crime and ecological observations while
patrolling.
M-STrIPES maps the patrol routes of forest guards, and the resulting data are then analyzed in a
geographic information system.
The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC CSE 2017)
Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
Security of National Highways
Protection Status:
⚾⚾Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List: Endangered.
⚾⚾Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix
I.
Global Tiger Forum

Global Tiger Forum is an Inter-Governmental international body working exclusively for the
conservation of Tigers.
Established in 1994, the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) has its headquarters in New Delhi.
The General Assembly of GTF meets after every three years.
It utilizes cooperative policies, common approaches, technical expertise, scientific modules, and other
appropriate programs.
The Global Tiger Forum was set up to promote a worldwide campaign to save the tiger, its prey, and
its habitat.
The Global Tiger Forum has plans to promote a legal framework in the countries involved for
biodiversity conservation and to increase the protected area network of habitats of the tiger and
facilitate their inter passages in the range countries.
It is the only Inter-Governmental body to save the tiger worldwide.
14 tiger range countries are its members. The UK , which is not a Tiger Range Country, recently joined
the GTF.
Global Tiger Initiative (GTI)

The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) was launched in 2008 as a global alliance of governments,
international organizations, civil society, conservation, and scientific communities, and the private
sector, with the aim of working together to save wild tigers from extinction.
The GTI’s founding partners included the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the
Smithsonian Institution, the Save the Tiger Fund, and International Tiger Coalition (representing more
than 40 non-government organizations). The initiative is led by the 13 tiger range countries (TRCs).
Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)

Tigers are scattered among 13 Asian Tiger Range Countries (TRCs): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia,
China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russian Federation, Thailand, andVietnam.
To solve the tiger crisis, which represents the larger Asian biodiversity crisis, the TRCs, international
organizations, and civil society came together on a collaborative platform within the framework of
the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) at St. Petersburg,Russia
After a two-year process of sharing knowledge and best practices and developing a common vision, a
GTRP was developed, with the shared goal of doubling the number of wild tigers globally by 2022.
Conservation Assured Tiger Standard Accreditation (CATS)

Launched in 2013, implemented across 125 sites including India’s 94 sites.

It is a globally accepted tool for conservation of tigers & sets best practices and standards to manage
tigers and assessments to benchmark progress.
Global Tiger Forum & WWF are implementing partners of NTCA for CATS.
14 TR:- Manas, Orang, Kaziranga, Satpura, Panna, Kanha, Pench, Anamalai, Mudumalai,
Parambikulam, Sunderban, Valmiki, Dudwa, Bandipur.
National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise
(#for Tiger Reserve symbol ‘’ be used)

The Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh parts of the Pench National Park are administered separately.
2 Pench = 106; 1 Pench - 105
Jammu & Kashmir

Salim Ali NP, Dachingham NP, Kishtwar NP
Dachigam National Park➡Marsar lake (Kashmiri Stag-CR; Snow Leopard-VU)
Kishtwar National Park is a national park located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
It is bounded to the north by Rinnay river, south by Kibar Nala catchment, east by main divide of
Great Himalaya and west by Marwa river.
Salim Ali National Park or City Forest National Park was a national park located in Srinagar.
(Himalayan Serow-VU)
Ladakh
Hemis National Park is a high altitude national park in the eastern Ladakh Union Territory of the
Republic of India. Globally famous for its snow leopards.
The park is bounded on the north by the banks of the Indus River, and includes the catchments of
Markha river.
Himachal Pradesh
Inderkilla NP Khirganga NP Pin valley NP
Great Himalayan NP Simbalbara NP
Great Himalayan NP, is one of India's national parks, is located in Kullu region in the state of Himachal
Pradesh. Tirthan flows through Great Himalayan National Park in H.P. (Himalayan Tahr-NT; Himalayan
Brown bear-CR)
Simbalbara NP is a national park in India, located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District, Himachal
Pradesh, along its border with Haryana. The vegetation consists of dense Sal forests.
Pin Valley NP is a National park of India located within the Lahaul and Spiti district, in the state of
Himachal Pradesh, in far northern India. within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
Uttarakhand
Govind Pashu Vihar NP Gangotri NP
Valley of Flower NP Nanda Devi NP Rajaji NP
Corbett NP
Rajaji NP ➡three wildlife sanctuaries in the area namely, Chilla, Motichur and
Rajaji sanctuaries were merged into one. three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and
Pauri Garhwal. The Ganga and Song rivers flow through the park. (Asian Elephant-EN) (Corbett
Reserve@Ramganga River;Motichur, Chilla, Rajaji WLS)
Valley of Flower NP is an Indian national park, located in North Chamoli, in the state of Uttarakhand
and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. (Sambar,Slag-VU;
Asean Black Bear- VU)
Govind Pashu Vihar NP situated in the Uttarkashi district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This is the
place from which the Indian Government has inaugurated the Snow Leopard Project 2009. (Bearded
vulture-NT)
Gangotri NP ➡nearby Kedarnath WLS, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary. (White Bellied Musk Deer-EN)
Corbett NP is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to
protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal district of
Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett. #MAX TIGER DENSITY
Haryana
Kalesar NP Sultanpur NP
Kalesar NP is a popular destination for leopards, panthers, and elephants. (Siberian Crane-CR; Great
White Pelican & Flemingo- LC)
Uttar Pradesh
Dudhwa Reserve is a protected area in Uttar Pradesh that stretches mainly across the Lakhimpur
Kheri and Bahraich districts and comprises the Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area is home for tigers, leopards, Asiatic black
bears, sloth bears, Swamp deer, rhinoceros, elephants & Pilibhit Reserve (T×2 Award)
Rajasthan
Sariska NP
Desert NP
Ranthambore NP
Mukundra hills NP @Darrah NP
Keoladeo NP
Desert NP➡Great Indian Bustard- CR – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Pakistan, Heaviest of the flying bird (State
bird of Rajasthan)
Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of
India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. known for its Bengal tigers. Other
fauna include the Indian leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, striped hyena, sloth bear,
Sariska NP ➡Alwar district, Rajasthan, Apart from the Bengal tiger, the reserve includes many
wildlife species including Indian leopard, jungle cat.
Keoladeo NP or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in
Bharatpur, Rajasthan. (siberian Crane-CR; Great Spotted Eagle-VU; Sarus Crane-VU)
⇒Feb,2021- Bansi Paharpur sandstone-Pink coloured, high in demand. Illegal mining since 2016 has
Damaged area. So, the Rajasthan state government shifted the boundary of Bharatpur's Bandh
Baretha wildlife sanctuary to make room for mining. These stones are also to be used for
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya.
⇒Oct,2020- A month and half long special drive to uproot the invasive lantana bushes in the famous
Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district has helped in ecological restoration of
grasslands and saved biodiversity. The sanctuary is famous for Long-billed vulture,
commonly known as the Indian vulture (Critically Endangered).
Which of the following are the tiger reserve?
Nanda Devi NP
Rajaji NP
Keoladeo NP
Darrah NP
Sariska NP
(a) 1 & 2 (b) 1,3 & 5 (c) 2,4 & 5 (d) 1,2,3 & 5
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
1.It is spread over two districts.
2.There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3.It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below; UPSC CSE 2017
1.1 and 2 only 2.2 und 3 only 3.1 and 3 only 4.1, 2 and 3
Bihar
Valmiki NP, Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the India-Nepal border in the West
Champaran district of Bihar, India on the bank of river Gandak. The Harsha – Masan River system
originates from the Valmiki Forests and forms Burhi Gandak River down south. River Pandai flows into
Bihar (India) from Nepal in the eastern end of the Sanctuary and meets Masan. ( Bengal tiger-
EN,Indian rhinoceros-VU)
⇒Union minister of state for environment, forests, and climate change Ashwini Kumar
Choubey on Thursday said the second reserve in Bihar would be set up in Kaimur. · The state
forest department had first spotted a tiger through camera traps in the Kaimur wildlife sanctuary on
March 26, 2020.
Jharkhand
Betla NP(#Palamu NP) located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Palamu district of Jharkhand
Hazaribagh TR
Assam
Raimona NP, Manas NP,Orang NP, Nameri NP, Kaziranga NP, Dibru-Saikhowa NP, Dihing Patkai NP
Raimona NP is bounded on the west by the Sankosh river and the Saralbhanga river on the east. Both
the rivers are tributaries of Brahmaputra. The Pekua river defines Raimona’s southern boundary. It is
famous for Golden Langur(IUCN-EN), an endemic species which has been named as the mascot of
Bodoland region.
Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary: Recently, Rhinoceros translocation study was carried
out in the sanctuary. Brahmaputra River flows through the sanctuary, Sonitpur district of Assam. An
ideal habitat for the Bengal florican (IUCN, Critically Endangered). Important fauna here includes
Indian-one horned rhinoceros, Asiatic water buffalo and Bengal tiger. It forms an integral part of the
Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem and is a notified buffer of the Kaziranga Tiger reserve.
Manas NP (Bengal florican-CR; Assam roofed turtle-EN; Hispid hare-EN; Gee’s G olden Langur-EN;
Pygmy Hog-CR; ⇒Mar,2021-Recently Himalayan Serow(VU) seen in this region.
Kaziranga NP which hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses- VU,The park area
is circumscribed by the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries, and
the Mora Diphlu, which forms the southern boundary. Other notable rivers within the park are the
Diphlu (Wild Water Buffalo-EN; Barasingha(swamp deer)-VU)
Orang NP→ It has a rich flora and fauna, including great Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hog, Asian
elephant, wild water buffalo and Bengal tiger. Pachanoi river, Belsiri river and Dhansiri River border
the park and join the Brahmaputra river.
Dihing Patkai NP Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. Dehing is the name of the river that flows through
this forest and Patkai is the hill. Recently Assam govt notified it as 7th National park of the state
under World Life Protection Act, 1972 section 35. The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is also known
as the Jeypore Rainforest. White winged Wood duck-EN
Nameri NP – Elephant
Nameri National Park is a national park in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur
District of Assam, India. Nameri shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of
Arunachal Pradesh, The main Rivers are Jia- Bhoroli and Bor Dikorai. Other tributaries of these two
rivers are: Diji, Dinai, Nameri, Khari, Upper Dikiri
Dibru Saikhowa NP is a national park in Assam, India, located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. The
park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and Dibru river in the south.
Species include Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, jungle cat, sloth bear.
⇒Assam now has the third most National Parks after the 12 in Madhya Pradesh and nine in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Arunachal Pradesh
Mauling NP
Namdapha NP Kamlang WLS Pakki/Pakhui Reserve
Namdapha NP is located between the Dapha bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range with
a wide elevation. Noa dihing, tributary of brahmaputra. (Namdapha Flying Squirrel-CR; Clouded
Leopard-VU)
Mauling NP is a national park located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, spread primarily over
the Upper Siang district and parts of the West Siang and East Siang districts. The Siyom river flows
along the Western fringes of the park and several small rivers such as the Siring, Krubong, Semong
and Subong drain into the Siang river near the eastern boundary of the park.
A particular State in India has the following characteristics: (UPSC CSE 2012)
It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
Over 12% of forest cover constitutes the Protected Area Network in this State. Which one among the
following States has all the above characteristics?
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located? (UPSC CSE 2017)
Arunachal Pradesh
Manipur
Meghalaya
Nagaland
Meghalaya
Nokrek NP, Balpakram NP
Nokrek NP, the core area of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, is a national park nearTura Peak in West Garo
Hills district of Meghalaya, India. All important rivers and streams of the Garo Hills region rise from
the Nokrek Range, of which the river Simsang, known as Someshwari when it emerges into
Bangladesh at Baghmara, is the most prominent. Rongbang Dare WaterFall. Nokrek is also an
important habitat of the Asian elephant. (Red panda-EN; Stump-tailed macaque-VU)
Balpakram NP is a national park in the south of Garo Hills in Meghalaya, India. Gyaneshwari River,
Indian elephant.
Nagaland
Itanki NP➡Among the species that inhabit the park are the rare hoolock gibbon-EN, golden langur,
hornbill.
Manipur
Sirohi NP
Keibul Lamjao NP
Sirohi NP famous shirui lily (Lilium maclineae).
Keibul Lamjao national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally
called phumdis. (Sangai deer/dancing deer-EN)
Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that
supports a rich biodiversity? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Bhitarkanika National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Sultanpur National Park
Mizoram
Murlen NP Phawngpui NP
Murlen NP is a national park located in the Champhai district Mizoram in India. Tupui River.
Phawngpui NP provides habitat for a range of birds including the rare Blyth's tragopan- VU, Mrs.
Hume's pheasant-NT, which is the Mizoram state bird.
Tripura
Clouded leopard NP
Rajbari NP
Rajbari NP is a national park in the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura, India. (Trishna WLS)
Consider the following pairs (UPSC CSE 2014)
Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
Saramati Peak : Nagaland
Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3only C. 1 and 3only D. 1, 2 and 3
⇒Malayan Giant Squirrel found in parts of NE, could vanish post-2050 due to Jhum poaching. says
Zoological Survey of India. "Near-Threatened" in the IUCN list.
Sikkim
Kangchenjunga NP→ Asian Wild Dog-EN
West Bengal
Singalila NP, Neora valley NP, Gorumara NP, Jaldapara NP, Buxa NP( ) Sunderban Reserve
Jaldapara NP→ Torsa river, joins kaljani and meets Brahmaputra→ Chilapata Forests is an elephant
corridor → The park holds the largest rhino population in India after Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Neora Valley NP is situated in the Kalimpong district, West Bengal→ Neora River→ It is the land of the
elegant red panda.
Buxa NP→ Raidak and Jayanti river, tributaries of brahmaputra→Indian leopard, Bengal tiger, clouded
leopard, giant squirrel.
Gorumara NP→ The park is located on the ﬂoodplains of the Murti River The major river of the park is
the Jaldhaka river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra river system. The park is rich in large herbivores
including Indian rhinoceros, gaur, Asian elephant, sloth bear, chital, and sambar deer.
Singalila NP→ River Rammam and River Sirikhola flow through the park.
Consider the following areas: (UPSC CSE 2012)

Bandipur
Bhitarkanika
Manas
Sundarbans
Which of the above are Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2only (b) 1, 3 and 4only (c) 2, 3 and 4only (d) l, 2, 3 and 4
Gujarat
Marine NP, Gir NP, Blackbuck NP, Vansda NP
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir.Shetrunji River→ The four
reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and
Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline
of Gir’.(Asian lion-EN)
Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India.
(Macqueen Bustard-VU)
Vansda NP → Ambika River
Marine NP in the Gulf of Kutch is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch, There are 42
islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park, most of them surrounded by reefs. The
best known island is Pirotan Island.
⇒Recently Naliya Great Indian Bustard sanctuary in Kutch, Gujarat is in News as forest Fire is there.
A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no
predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one
of the following could be that animal? (UPSC CSE-2011)
Indian wild buffalo
Indian wildass
Indian wild boar
Indian Gazelle
With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements:
The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as
compared to other States.
In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of wetlands. Which of the
statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2012)
(a) 1only (b) 2only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
MadhyaPradesh
Sanjay NP Bandhavgarh NP Panna NP
Mandla Plant fossil NP Kanha NP
Satpura NP Van Vihar NP Omkareshwar MP Dinosaur NP Madhav NP Pench NP Kumho WLS
Kanha TR → also called Kanha-Kisli National Park, is one of the tiger reserves of India and the largest
national park of Madhya Pradesh. The park has a significant population of the Royal Bengal tiger,
Indian leopards, the sloth bear, barasingha and Indian wild dog. “the Jungle
Book” by Rudyard Kipling ⇒⇒Nascot of NP- Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.
Bandhavgarh NP- Before Corbett highest Tiger density.
Panna TR→ Kenghariyal WLS, Ken River.
Satpura NP → Panchmari
⇒Mar-2021- Night Safari start at Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Pench NP
If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to
visit? (UPSC CSE 2017)
BhitarkanikaMangroves
Chambal River
Pulicat Lake
Deepor Beel
Maharashtra
Sanjay Gandhi NP, Chandoli NP, Gugamal NP, Pench NP, Tadoba NP( ), Navegaon NP
reserve:- Melghat, nagzira, Sahyadri, Bor
Tadoba NP →Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve→ It is Maharashtra's oldest national park. the Andhari
River. the Moharli and Kolsa ranges. Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai,
Gugamal NP is part of Melghat Tiger Reserve. The area is rich in wild mammals
including Bengal tiger, Indian leopard
Chandoli NP lies between the Radhanagiri and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries and forms the southern
part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Warna river.
Pench NP → Pench River→ Satpura range. The Bengal tiger is the main cat species.
⇒10 Apr, 2021- Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra= Some miscreants started a forest
fire.
Chhattisgarh
Guru Ghasidas NP Indravati NP Kanger Ghati NP Achanakmar TR
Udanti & Sitanadi TR
Indravati NP is a national park located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state of India. It is home to
one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo. Reported from the area are gaur (Indian bison), nilgai,
blackbuck, chausingha (four-horned antelope). Wild buffalo-EN
Kanger Ghati NP→ Kolab River
Guru Ghasidas & Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved
the Chhattisgarh‟s proposal to declare the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park &
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve. The 11th Technical Committee of the NTCA
approved the proposal under the Section 38V (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. [Section 38V
(1) of WPA, 1972 (Tiger Conservation Plan) - The State Government shall, on the recommendation of
the NTCA, notify an area as a tiger reserve.] It is located in the northern part of Chhattisgarh,
bordering Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. Both Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary and Guru Ghasidas
National Park were identified as reserve forests. Turning Guru Ghasidas into a Tiger Reserve is
important as it provides a corridor for tigers to move between Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya
Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand). Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. Rihand River flows
in the western boundary.
The sanctuary experiences a warm and temperate type of climate. It is a part of the Sarguja Jashpur
Elephant Reserve since 2011.
Orissa
Simlipal NP Bhitarkanika NP Satkosia NP
Bhitarkanika NP→ Brahmani, Baitarani, Pathsala & Dhamra River. Gahirmatha beach. (Olive Ridley sea
turtle-VU)
Simlipal NP→ Barehipani falls; Hadgarh, Kuldiha WLS. (Mugger Crocodile-VU)
Two important rivers —one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha),
and another, with its source in Odisha —merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay
of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a
protected area.
Which one of the following could be this? (UPSC CSE 2011)
(a) Bhitarkanika (b) Chandipur-on-sea (c) Gopalpur-on-sea (d) Simlipal
Goa
Mollen NP
Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
Karnataka
Anshi NP Kudremukh NP
Bannerghatta NP Nagarhole NP Bandipur NP Kali NP
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple WLS Bhadra TR
Anshi / Kali Tiger Reserves→ Kali River, Dandeli WLS
Nagarhole NP is a national park located in Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka, India. It is
part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. the Brahmagiri hills. Kapila River, Lakshman Tirtha river.
Bandipur NP part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.Kabini river, species like Indian elephants, gaurs,
tigers, sloth bears
Kudremukh NP Three important rivers, the Tunga, the Bhadra, and the Nethravathi. (Lion tailed
Macaque-EN)
Telangana
Mrugavani NP
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali NP
Nagarjunsagar Srisailam
Kawal TR
Amravati TR
AndhraPradesh
Sri Papikonda NP
Sri Venkateshwara NP Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Sri Venkateshwara NP is located near Seshachalam hills, Tirumala hills. (White Backed vulture-CR;
Yellow throated bulbul-VU)
Papikonda NP→ Black-beiled tern-EN; Pale-capped pigeon-VU: oriental darter-NT
Kerala
Silent valley NP Anamudi NP Eravikulam NP Pampadum shola NP Mathikatton Shola NP Periyar
NP Parambikulam TR
Eravikulam NP→ Lakkam waterfalls. (Nilgiri Tahr-EN; Nilgiri Langur-VU; Raorchestes resplendens-CR;
Nilgiri Marten-VU)
Silent Valley NP is part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Kunthipuzha River (Indian
Pangolin-EN; Black footed gray langur-VU)
Anamudi Shola NP is located in Idukki district, Kerala.
Periyar NP is located near Cardamom, Pendulum hill. Periyar, Pamba River. (Indian Elephant-EN;
Salim Ali fruit bat-EN)
TamilNadu
Guindy NP Mudumalai NP Mukurthi NP
Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai TR Anamalai NP
Gulf of Mannar NP Sathyamangalam TR Kalakad Mundanthurai TR
Mudumalai NP Indian vulture-CR; White-Rumped vulture-CR
Gulf of Mannar NP→ Thoothukudi & Dhanushkodi. (Dugong/Sea Cow-VU; Indo pacific bottlenose
dolphin-NT)
Guindy NP→ Indian star tortoise-VU; Blackbuck
⇒Feb,2021-Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai TR recently added. It is the 51st TR. near Meghamalai
Mountain. Meghamalai commonly known as the High Wavy Mountains, is a mountain range located
in the Western Ghats. The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary can be an excellent buffer to
the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary which can immensely
strengthen the conservation in the southern Western Ghats – the range of hills south of the Palakkad
Gap.
With reference to "dugong", a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
It is a herbivorous marine animal.
It is found along the entire coast of India.
It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. UPSC CSE 2015
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2only (c) 1 and3 (d) 3 only
Andaman & Nicobar

Saddle peak NP North button NP Middle button NP South button NP
Rani Jhansi Marine NP Mt. Harriet NP
Mahatma Gandhi MAine NP Campbell NP
Galathea NP
Highest number of National Park:

Madhya Pradesh (12)
Andaman & Nicobar (9)
Assam (7)
Project Elephant
Project Elephant was launched in 1992.
It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
It is included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and in Appendix I of the
Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).
Objectives:
to assist states having populations of wild elephants and to ensure long term survival of identified
viable populations of
elephants in their natural habitats
addressing man-animal conflict.
Developing scientific and planned management measures for conservation of elephants.
Protecting the elephants from poachers, preventing illegal ivory trade and other unnatural causes of
death.
Elephant Corridor
An elephant corridor is defined as a stretch/narrow strip of forested (or otherwise) land that connects
larger
habitats with elephant populations and forms a conduit for animal movement between the habitats.
There are 101 identified corridors in India (published by the Wildlife Trust of India in collaboration
with Project Elephant and the U.K.based NGO Elephant Family, 2017)
Coal mining and iron ore mining are the two “single biggest threats” to elephant corridors in central
India.
Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, are mineral-rich states, but also have the highest number of
elephant corridors in the country, which makes them known for elephant-man conflicts.
Habitat loss leading to fragmentation and destruction caused by developmental activities.
MIKE Programme
MIKE= Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants.
Established under CITES.
CITES-MIKE prog. Started in South Asia in 2003.
Monthly data collected from all sites and submitted to sub-regional office
⇒MIKE sites in India
1. Chirang Ripu (Assam )
2. Dihing Patkai (Assam)
3. Eastern Dooars (WB)

4. Deomali (Arunachal Pradesh)
5. Garo Hills (Meghalaya)
6. Mayurbhanj (Orissa)
7. Mysore (Karnataka)
8. Nilgiri (T N)
9. Shivalik (Uttarakhand)
10. Wayanad (Kerala)
Haathi Mere Saathi Campaign

MoEF&CC in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
Aims to improve conservation and welfare prospects of the elephant - India’s National Heritage
Animal.
It will also help in increasing awareness among people and developing not just friendship but also
companionship between people and elephants.
Unlike the tiger, which faces the threat of extinction, the elephant faces threats of attrition.
Campaign motto: ‘take Gajah (the elephant) to Prajah (the people)’.
Project Elephant Sites
Uttar Pradesh Shivalik

Jharkhand Singhbhum
West Bengal Mayurjharna; Eastrn Duars
Chattisgarh Lemru; Badalkhar; Tamorpingla
Odisha Mayurbhanj; Sambalpur; Baitarani; South Odisha; Mahanadi
Karnataka Bandipur; Mysore; Dandheli
Andhra Pradesh Rayla
Kerala Nilambar; Wayanad; Anamudi; Periyar
TamilNadu Nilgiri; Coimbatore; Annamalai; Srivilliputtur
Assam Chirangpu; Kaziranga-Karbi anglong; Dhansiri Lunding; Sonitpur; Dihing
patkai
Meghalaya Garo; Khasi
Arunachal Pradesh Kameng; South Arunachal
Nagaland Itanki
Shivalik Elephant Reserve

Nov,2020- The Government of India has asked the Uttarakhand government to consider avoiding
sensitive areas of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve while exploring land suitable for use for the
expansion of Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport.
The area proposed for the expansion is a part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve and it falls within a 10-
km radius of Rajaji National Park.
Nilgiri Elephant corridor

Oct,2020- The Supreme court upheld a 2011 order of the madras high court on the Nilgiri Elephant
corridor, affirming the right of passage of the animals and the closure of resorts in the area.
The supreme court’s order to seal and close 27 resorts operating in corridors used by elephants in the
Nilgiris is a necessary step to restore the ecology of the spaces.
Weak regulation of ecotourism is severely impacting important habitats of elephants.
It’s the state’s duty to protect “Keystone Species” like elephants, which are very much important to
the environment.
Fragmentation of forests makes it all the more important to preserve migratory corridors.
The movement of elephants is essential to ensure that their populations are genetically viable, and
help regenerate forests on which other species, including tigers, depend.
With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

The leader of an elephant group is a female
The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in kerala. Which of the statements
given above is/ are correct? UPSC CSE 2018
and 2 only 2.2 and 4 only 3.3 only 4.1,3 and 4 only

National Parks and Tiger Reserves in India

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National Parks and Tiger Reserves in India

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National Parks & Tiger Reserves in India

Protected Area Network

National Parks in India

National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise

Project Elephant sites

Protected Area Network

IUCN protected area categories:

IUCN Red List

IUCN Red list categories

Conservation Reserves and Community Reserve

Tillari Conservation Reserve

National Parks in India

Category II: National Park

Declaration of the Protected Area by the State government

Declared By the Central government

National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA)

Powers and functions of NTCA

Structure of a Tiger Reserve

Tiger Task Force

Methods for Tiger Census

Most popular technique

Tiger Census, 2014

Tiger Census, 2018

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh: Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal.

Global Tiger Forum

Global Tiger Initiative (GTI)

Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)

Conservation Assured Tiger Standard Accreditation (CATS)

Launched in 2013, implemented across 125 sites including India’s 94 sites.

National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise

(#for Tiger Reserve symbol ‘’ be used)

Jammu & Kashmir

Consider the following areas: (UPSC CSE 2012)

Papikonda NP→ Black-beiled tern-EN; Pale-capped pigeon-VU: oriental darter-NT

Andaman & Nicobar

Highest number of National Park:

3. Eastern Dooars (WB)

Haathi Mere Saathi Campaign

Project Elephant Sites

Uttar Pradesh Shivalik

Shivalik Elephant Reserve

Nilgiri Elephant corridor

With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

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