India's wildlife was under serious threat in the early 20th century due to hunting, habitat loss, and growing human populations. However, India's dwindling wildlife got a significant boost through a series of conservation laws, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and special projects — most notably the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Project Tiger 1973.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: banned hunting; created national parks and sanctuaries.
Project Tiger (1973): tiger population grew from ~1,827 to 3,167 (2022).
Project Elephant (1992): ~30 reserves; India has 60% of world's Asian elephants.
One-horned rhino: grew from ~200 to 3,700+ in Kaziranga and Manas.
India has 106 National Parks, 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 53 Tiger Reserves.
18 Biosphere Reserves; first: Nilgiri (1986).
Project Crocodile (1975) saved the gharial, mugger, and saltwater crocodile.
The Problem — Declining Wildlife: • 19th and early 20th century: hunting by British colonists and Indian royals, large-scale forest clearing for agriculture and timber • Tigers: estimated 40,000 in 1900; fell to just ~1,800 by early 1970s • Rhinoceros, elephants, lions: all declined drastically • Deforestation removed habitat; encroachment pushed wildlife to the margins
Key Boosters for India's Wildlife:
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 • Comprehensive law that banned hunting of endangered species • Created two categories of protected areas: National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries • Schedule I animals (tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos) given maximum protection — hunting = serious criminal offence • National Parks: no human activity; strict protection • Wildlife Sanctuaries: some limited activities allowed (but no hunting)
Project Tiger (1973) • Launched 1 April 1973 by PM Indira Gandhi • Started with 9 reserves; now 53 tiger reserves (2023) • Tiger population grew from ~1,827 (1973) to 3,167 (2022 census) • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) oversees Project Tiger
Project Elephant (1992) • Launched to protect elephants, their habitats, and migratory corridors • ~30 Elephant Reserves across India • India has ~60% of the world's Asian elephants (~27,000–30,000)
Project Rhinoceros • One-horned rhinoceros: mainly Kaziranga (Assam) and Manas • Population grew from ~200 (1900s) to over 3,700 (recent census) • Kaziranga National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site; ~2,600 rhinos
Project Crocodile (1975) • To protect gharial, mugger, and saltwater crocodile • All three species listed as endangered/critically endangered • Breeding centres established; population recovered
Biosphere Reserves • UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme • 18 Biosphere Reserves in India; 12 are UNESCO-recognised • Key ones: Nilgiri (first, 1986), Sundarbans, Gulf of Mannar, Nanda Devi, Pachmarhi
Community Reserves and Conservation Reserves • Added under Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2002 • Allow communities to participate in wildlife protection
Current Status (India): • 106 National Parks • 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries • 53 Tiger Reserves • ~30 Elephant Reserves • 18 Biosphere Reserves
India's dwindling wildlife got a boost through: the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (banned hunting, created protected areas); Project Tiger 1973 (grew tiger population from ~1,827 to 3,167); Project Elephant 1992 (protected ~30 elephant reserves); Project Crocodile 1975; the creation of 106 national parks and 567 wildlife sanctuaries; and 18 Biosphere Reserves. These measures reversed the declining trends for several endangered species.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is India's main law for wildlife conservation. It bans hunting of endangered species, creates National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, and gives Schedule I animals (tigers, elephants, rhinos, lions) maximum protection. Violations attract serious criminal penalties. The Act was amended several times, with major amendments in 1991, 2002, and 2022.
Islands of India: Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep
India has 1,382 islands. Main groups: Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal, 572 islands) and Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea, 36 islands).
What is the Full Form of IST? (Indian Standard Time)
Learn the full form of IST in geography. Understand Indian Standard Time, why it is GMT+5:30, and the massive importance of the Mirzapur longitude line.
The Javadi Hills (Geography of South India)
Learn about the massive Javadi Hills located in Tamil Nadu. Understand their geographical connection to the Eastern Ghats, sandalwood forests, and local tribes.
What is Jhum Cultivation?
Learn what Jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) is. Understand why tribal communities slash and burn forests, and why it is harmful to the environment.
ज्वार-भाटा (Jwar Bhata) क्या है? कारण और प्रकार
जानें समुद्र में ज्वार-भाटा (Tides) क्या होता है। चंद्रमा और सूर्य के गुरुत्वाकर्षण बल के कारण आने वाले उच्च ज्वार (Spring Tide) और निम्न ज्वार (Neap Tide) की पूरी जानकारी।
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.