To ensure a sustainable and balanced coexistence, India must adopt proactive measures to manage these emerging conflicts effectively.

Wildlife Conservation: A Key to India’s Ecological and Economic Sustainability

Maintaining Ecological Balance and Climate Resilience

Wildlife is essential for sustaining ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and regulating climate patterns.
The decline of keystone species like tigers and elephants disrupts food chains, causing overpopulation of herbivores and habitat degradation.
Forests and wetlands, supported by wildlife activity, act as carbon sinks and provide natural protection against climate change.
Protecting species ensures vital ecological functions such as pollination, seed dispersal, and disease control.
For example, the rhinos of Kaziranga National Park contribute to maintaining grassland ecosystems, which support herbivore populations and prevent soil erosion.

Preserving Water Resources and Preventing Desertification

Diverse wildlife plays a critical role in regulating hydrological cycles, groundwater recharge, and maintaining forest and wetland ecosystems.
Forest conservation helps sustain river flows, prevent siltation, and mitigate floods and landslides.
Certain species contribute to soil fertility and prevent desert expansion, particularly in arid regions like Rajasthan.
For instance, Blackbucks aid in seed dispersal, especially for Khejri trees (Prosopis cineraria), which are crucial in preventing desertification in the Thar Desert.

Enhancing Sustainable Livelihoods and Eco-Tourism

Wildlife-based tourism generates employment, supports local economies, and funds conservation initiatives.
National parks, tiger reserves, and bird sanctuaries attract domestic and international tourists, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.
Properly managed eco-tourism benefits local communities, reducing reliance on poaching and deforestation.
For instance, revenue from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve increased from ₹45 crore to ₹60 crore due to a rise in visitor numbers.
Wildlife tourism is a significant driver of India’s broader tourism sector, which contributes approximately 5-6.5% to the national GDP.

Reducing Zoonotic Disease Risks and Promoting a One Health Approach

Conservation minimizes the risk of disease transmission by maintaining natural buffers between humans and wildlife.
Illegal wildlife trade and deforestation increase exposure to new pathogens, making stringent conservation laws essential for public health security.
For example, the 2021 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala was linked to habitat destruction affecting bat populations.
Strengthening conservation efforts preserves biodiversity and reduces the likelihood of emerging infectious diseases.

Supporting Agricultural Productivity and Food Security

Wildlife conservation ensures the survival of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, which are essential for crop yields.
Natural predators, including owls, snakes, and big cats, help control pest populations, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Forest biodiversity enhances soil fertility and water retention, promoting sustainable agriculture.
The decline in vulture populations has led to an increase in stray dogs, contributing to the spread of diseases like rabies.

Fulfilling Constitutional and Global Environmental Commitments

Wildlife conservation upholds India’s constitutional responsibilities under Article 48A and Article 51A(g) to protect and improve the environment.
As a signatory to international agreements such as CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Paris Agreement, India is committed to biodiversity conservation.
Conservation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Preserving Indigenous and Cultural Heritage

Wildlife conservation is deeply connected to India’s indigenous communities, whose traditions and livelihoods depend on nature.
Tribes such as the Soligas of Karnataka and the Bishnois of Rajasthan have historically played a vital role in biodiversity protection.
Conservation efforts also safeguard sacred groves, religious sites, and traditional ecological knowledge systems.

Challenges in India’s Wildlife Protection Measures

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)

Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and agricultural encroachment have fragmented natural habitats, forcing wildlife into human settlements.
This leads to increased crop damage, livestock predation, and human casualties, often resulting in retaliatory killings.
For example, over 300 lions in Gujarat now live outside Gir’s Protected Area (PA), intensifying human-lion conflicts (Lion Census 2020).
In the past five years, India has recorded 52 human fatalities due to elephant attacks and 552 unnatural elephant deaths from electrocution, train accidents, poaching, and poisoning.

Poor Habitat Management and Limited Carrying Capacity

Wildlife policies primarily focus on increasing population numbers but often overlook the need for adequate habitat, food, and water.
Large-ranging species like tigers and elephants face severe restrictions due to shrinking forests, limiting their natural movement.
For instance, while the Sundarbans tiger population has grown, climate change-induced habitat loss has forced tigers into human settlements.
The area of Mrugavani National Park was reduced by 22% to 280.29 hectares, and the Pallikaranai wetland has drastically shrunk due to urbanization, threatening biodiversity in Chennai.

Lack of Scientific Approach in Wildlife Relocation and Conservation

Political and regional interests sometimes override scientific recommendations in wildlife translocation efforts.
For example, despite Supreme Court orders, Gujarat has refused to relocate Gir lions to Madhya Pradesh.
Unplanned relocations can fail if key ecological factors such as prey availability and disease control are ignored.
The reintroduction of cheetahs from Namibia into India has faced setbacks, with multiple deaths in Kuno National Park raising concerns over habitat suitability.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Wildlife

Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are altering animal migration patterns and degrading ecosystems.
Shrinking wetlands and retreating glaciers threaten species dependent on these environments, while rising sea levels endanger coastal biodiversity, including mangroves and coral reefs.
For example, floods in Kaziranga National Park in Assam have drowned over 150 animals, including nine rare one-horned rhinoceroses.
Extreme heat waves in India have caused birds to collapse mid-flight due to sunstroke.
Additionally, 33.6% of India’s coastline is facing erosion, posing a serious threat to marine and coastal biodiversity.

Lack of Wildlife Corridors and Fragmented Connectivity

Many Protected Areas exist as isolated patches, disrupting natural movement and genetic exchange among wildlife populations.
Infrastructure projects like highways, railways, and power lines further fragment habitats, increasing animal mortality.
Despite efforts to establish green corridors, land-use conflicts hinder seamless connectivity.
According to railway data, over 32,000 animals—including cattle, lions, and leopards—were killed on railway tracks between 2016 and 2019.

Underfunding and Inefficient Resource Utilization

Despite flagship programs such as Project Tiger and Project Lion, conservation funding remains inadequate.
State forest departments often struggle with staff shortages and outdated equipment, limiting anti-poaching and habitat management efforts.
Private sector and community-driven funding models remain largely underutilized.
Funds under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) remain underutilized, delaying afforestation and ecosystem restoration projects.

Rise in Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade

Despite stricter laws, organized poaching and illegal wildlife trade persist due to high global demand for animal parts.
Smuggling networks between India, Nepal, Myanmar, and China continue to facilitate the black-market trade of tiger skins, rhino horns, and pangolin scales.
Digital platforms have become a new marketplace for illegal wildlife trade.
For instance, in 2024, a rhino horn smuggling racket was exposed in Kaziranga National Park, revealing links to international crime syndicates.
Additionally, between 2018 and 2022, 1,203 pangolins—the world’s most trafficked wild mammal—were poached in India for illegal trade.

Conflict Between Development and Conservation Goals

Balancing economic growth with wildlife conservation remains a challenge, as many projects receive environmental clearances despite ecological concerns.
Mining, dam construction, and industrial expansion are often prioritized over wildlife protection.
Weak enforcement of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) allows projects to proceed without adequate safeguards.
For example, the Great Nicobar Development Project has raised alarms over habitat destruction, particularly for the endangered Nicobar megapode.

Strategies to Strengthen Wildlife Conservation in India

Enhancing Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation Measures

India must implement proactive strategies such as early warning systems, improved compensation mechanisms for affected communities, and habitat restoration to minimize HWC.
Relocating vulnerable communities from high-conflict zones should be carried out with their consent and proper rehabilitation.
Establishing safe wildlife corridors, eco-bridges, and buffer zones around Protected Areas (PAs) can facilitate animal movement while minimizing human-wildlife interactions.
Community-led initiatives, such as controlled grazing programs, can help reduce livestock predation.
Additionally, technologies like Suraksha Mitr, developed by C-DAC, should be effectively utilized for conflict prevention.

Expanding and Strengthening Protected Areas

Many of India’s national parks and sanctuaries are too small to sustain growing wildlife populations, necessitating their expansion and improved connectivity.
State governments should identify and designate additional eco-sensitive zones and community reserves while enforcing strict protection in core areas.
Developing buffer zones with sustainable livelihood opportunities can help prevent illegal encroachments.
For example, the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) project in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh has successfully linked fragmented tiger habitats across India and Nepal.

Implementing Scientific and Transparent Wildlife Relocation Policies

Species translocation must be based on ecological viability, ensuring an adequate prey base, disease control, and genetic diversity through a scientific approach.
A dedicated National Wildlife Translocation Board should oversee such efforts to prevent failures like the cheetah deaths in Kuno National Park.
The successful relocation of rhinos from Kaziranga to Manas National Park has played a crucial role in reviving rhino populations in Manas.

Strengthening Anti-Poaching Mechanisms and Wildlife Crime Control

Despite stringent laws, poaching and illegal wildlife trade continue to thrive, necessitating enhanced surveillance through technologies like drones, thermal cameras, and AI-powered tracking systems.
Bolstering the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with additional personnel and improved inter-agency coordination can enhance enforcement efforts.
Strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act 2022 is essential to deter poaching syndicates.
India can take inspiration from Bhutan, which has successfully implemented the nationwide rollout of SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) patrolling to combat wildlife crime.

India’s wildlife conservation efforts are at a critical juncture, requiring proactive strategies to harmonize ecological preservation with developmental objectives.
Enhancing habitat connectivity, integrating advanced technology, and encouraging active community involvement are key to ensuring long-term sustainability.
A comprehensive approach will not only protect India’s diverse wildlife but also contribute to the nation’s ecological stability and economic resilience.