Prioritising wildlife conservation in India

India’s wildlife conservation efforts have yielded mixed outcomes, with certain species receiving more focus than others. Tigers, after the 2005 crisis, have benefited from enhanced monitoring techniques and more reliable population estimates. In contrast, elephants, another key species, have not received the same level of attention. Recent updates in elephant population counting methods indicate a significant decline, yet reports suggest the government has withheld this critical information, sparking concerns about transparency and dedication to conservation.

This inconsistency in conservation efforts reveals larger challenges within India’s wildlife management strategies. Human activities have severely affected elephant habitats, resulting in a rise in human-animal conflicts. Reliable population estimates and distribution data are crucial for successful conservation planning and conflict mitigation. The present situation highlights the urgent need for a more holistic, science-driven approach to wildlife conservation, especially for species like elephants that coexist with humans in rapidly evolving environments.

Significance of Wildlife Conservation for India

Biodiversity Preservation and Ecosystem Stability: India, one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, hosts about 8% of the planet’s known biodiversity within just 2.4% of the global land area. This vast biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem stability, which is essential for human survival. For example, India’s coastal mangrove ecosystems, which support diverse species, serve as natural defenses against cyclones and tsunamis. A 2021 study by the Zoological Survey of India showed that mangroves in the Sundarbans lessened the impact of Cyclone Amphan in 2020, protecting millions of people. Additionally, India’s forests, which cover 21.71% of its land area (Forest Survey of India, 2021), function as carbon sinks, absorbing approximately 7,124.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Economic Benefits Through Sustainable Tourism: Wildlife conservation plays a key role in India’s economy, particularly through ecotourism. Demand for wildlife tourism is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.40% through 2034. The economic benefits from tiger reserves alone are estimated to range between ₹8.3 billion to ₹17.6 billion annually. Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Tiger State’, is expected to see a 30-40% increase in inbound tourism, primarily due to its rich wildlife. Government initiatives, such as the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, have further stimulated wildlife tourism, creating local jobs and supporting conservation efforts.

Traditional Knowledge Preservation and Cultural Heritage: Wildlife conservation in India is closely tied to the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural heritage. Indigenous communities like the Bishnois of Rajasthan and the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh have long-standing conservation practices embedded in their cultures. For instance, the Nyishi tribe’s traditional efforts to protect hornbills have been pivotal in conserving the species.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Wildlife conservation is a key part of India’s strategy to address climate change. Healthy ecosystems act as natural shields against extreme weather events and contribute to carbon sequestration. India’s commitment to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030, under its Nationally Determined Contribution, heavily relies on forest and wildlife conservation. Programs like the Green India Mission, which aims to increase forest cover by 5 million hectares, reflect the government’s focus on this issue. Additionally, protecting biodiversity improves ecosystem resilience to climate change. A 2015 study found that areas with greater species diversity are more resilient to climate variability, emphasizing conservation’s role in climate adaptation.

Water Security and Watershed Protection: Wildlife habitats, especially forests, play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s water security by protecting watersheds and regulating water flow. The Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram, recognized as India’s first “other effective area-based conservation measure” site in 2022, underscores the link between urban biodiversity conservation and water security. The park also contributes to groundwater recharge in the water-scarce National Capital Region.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Potential: India’s rich biodiversity offers significant potential for breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Many medicinal compounds have been derived from the country’s wildlife, often informed by traditional knowledge. For example, a novel anti-inflammatory drug has been developed from the venom of the Indian monocled cobra, showcasing this potential. Government programs like BIOTECH-KISAN aim to link biotechnology with conservation and rural development, highlighting the economic importance of biodiversity preservation.

International Diplomacy: India’s wildlife conservation initiatives enhance its soft power and diplomatic influence. Through efforts like the Global Tiger Recovery Program, the country has cemented its leadership in tiger conservation. India’s 2018 tiger census showed a rise in tiger numbers, achieving the goal of doubling the population four years ahead of the St. Petersburg Declaration’s target. Furthermore, India’s active involvement in international conservation treaties like CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) strengthens its position in global environmental discussions. The 2023 Oscar win for The Elephant Whisperers, awarded Best Documentary Short, further underscores the deep connection between Indian communities and wildlife.

Factors are Impeding the Effectiveness of India’s Wildlife Conservation Efforts

• Inadequate Funding and Resource Allocation: Despite India being a biodiversity hotspot, the country’s budget for wildlife conservation remains insufficient. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Union Budget allocated ₹3330.37 crore to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, a figure that limits critical efforts in habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and scientific research.
• Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations grow and encroach upon natural habitats, conflicts with wildlife have escalated. Between 2018 and 2023, human-elephant conflicts alone resulted in 2,853 human fatalities, with a peak of 628 deaths in 2023.
• Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have caused significant habitat loss and fragmentation. Since 2000, India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover. Major infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of National Highways and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, have further fragmented vital wildlife habitats.
• Lack of Community Involvement and Sustainable Livelihood Options: Conservation efforts in India often overlook the needs of local communities living in and around protected areas. The top-down approach to conservation has frequently alienated these communities, leading to conflicts. While ecotourism has been introduced as a potential solution, it often fails to provide substantial benefits to local populations.
• Political and Economic Pressures Overriding Conservation Needs: Economic development often takes precedence over conservation in policy decisions. The push for ease of doing business has, at times, led to the dilution of environmental safeguards. For instance, the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification of 2020 sought to shorten public consultation periods and exempt certain projects from scrutiny, potentially harming wildlife habitats.

Measures that can be Adopted to Revamp Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India

• Increase Funding and Resource Allocation: Substantially boost the budget for wildlife conservation. Introduce innovative financial mechanisms such as green bonds and conservation trust funds, similar to Bhutan’s “Bhutan For Life” initiative, to ensure sustainable funding.
• Develop Comprehensive Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategies: Create and implement state-specific Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) mitigation plans that consider local ecological and socio-economic factors for more effective management of conflicts.
• Prioritize Habitat Connectivity and Corridor Restoration:
  Initiate a National Wildlife Corridor Program aimed at identifying, protecting, and restoring vital wildlife corridors throughout the country to ensure safe animal migration and reduce habitat fragmentation.
• Enhance Wildlife Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching Efforts: Mandate the use of M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers’ Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) in all tiger reserves and expand its application to other Protected Areas to improve monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.
• Integrate Climate Change Adaptation into Conservation Planning: Develop Climate-Integrated Conservation Plans for all major Protected Areas to ensure conservation strategies address the challenges posed by climate change.
• Promote Community Participation in Conservation: Scale up successful community-based conservation models, such as the Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand, to enhance local involvement in conservation efforts and promote sustainable livelihoods.
• Strengthen Scientific Research and Monitoring: Establish a dedicated Wildlife Research Fund to support long-term ecological research and foster innovation in conservation practices.
• Streamline Environmental Clearance Procedures: Implement a comprehensive Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) system for all major development projects and programs to ensure that environmental impacts are thoroughly considered before approval.

India’s wildlife conservation efforts urgently need a more equitable, transparent, and science-driven approach. Addressing funding shortfalls, increasing community engagement, and focusing on habitat preservation are crucial steps to protect the nation’s rich biodiversity. Ensuring the sustainable coexistence of wildlife and human populations requires coordinated efforts, safeguarding not only iconic species like elephants but also the fragile ecosystems they depend on. A comprehensive, collective strategy is vital for effective long-term conservation.

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