National Conservation Programmes in India: Protecting Tigers, Dolphins, Elephants, Bears, Crocodiles and More

India hosts nearly 8% of the world’s biodiversity, making conservation crucial for ecological balance and national heritage. To prevent extinction of threatened species, the government launched several dedicated conservation programmes. These are widely asked in competitive exams, especially in Environment, Current Affairs and GS topics.

National Conservation Programmes in India: Protecting Tigers, Dolphins, Elephants, Bears, Crocodiles and More

Project Tiger: A Landmark Initiative

Launched in 1973, Project Tiger is one of India’s most successful wildlife protection programmes. It began with nine tiger reserves and now covers over 50 reserves across India.

Objectives of Project Tiger

• Increase tiger population

• Protect forest habitats

• Reduce poaching

• Support community participation in conservation

Thanks to this initiative, India now hosts more than 75% of the world’s tigers, making it a global leader in wildlife conservation.

Tigers in India: A Success Story

India is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, an iconic species known for strength and beauty. According to the latest estimation reports, tiger numbers in India have grown significantly due to strict protection measures and habitat restoration.

Many tiger reserves like Ranthambore, Sundarbans, Jim Corbett, and Bandhavgarh attract global wildlife lovers, creating eco-tourism jobs for local communities.

Project Lion / Asiatic Lion Conservation (1972 onward)

Although not officially called “Project Lion”, the Asiatic Lion Conservation Programme is centred in Gir, Gujarat.

Highlights

• India hosts the only wild population of Asiatic Lions.
• Focus on habitat expansion and reducing genetic bottleneck risk.
• The Lion Landscape Development Project is strengthening this effort.

Project Dolphin (2020)

A recent initiative announced in 2020.

Coverage

• Ganges River Dolphin
• Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin

It focuses on clean rivers, anti-poaching, community engagement and ecosystem restoration.

Dolphins: India’s Friendly Water Mammals

India is home to the Ganges River Dolphin, declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009.

To protect dolphins, the government launched ‘Project Dolphin’ in 2020, focusing on:

• Cleaning river habitats
• Monitoring dolphin populations
• Protecting breeding grounds

Dolphins play a key role in maintaining river health, making their conservation vital.

Project Crocodile (1975)

Project Crocodile began in 1975 to protect three crocodilian species:

• Gharial
• Mugger Crocodile
• Saltwater Crocodile

Key Measures

• Captive breeding and release
• Establishment of National Chambal Sanctuary
• Wetland protection

Project Gharial (2008)

Launched specifically for the critically endangered Gharial, strengthening earlier crocodile efforts.

Focus Areas

• Monitoring nests and riverbanks
• Captive breeding
• Release in Chambal, Son, Gandak and Girwa Rivers

Project Snow Leopard (2009)

Started in 2009 to protect the elusive snow leopard in Himalayan states:

• Jammu & Kashmir
• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Sikkim

It involves community-based conservation and climate-sensitive research.

Project Hangul (Kashmir Stag Conservation)

A programme focused on the endangered Hangul deer of the Kashmir Valley.

Concerns

• Habitat loss
• Predation and small population size

Conservation is concentrated inside Dachigam National Park.

Project Sloth Bear

Started formally around 2009–10.

Aim

• Protect vulnerable sloth bear habitats
• Reduce human–bear conflict
• Monitor populations in forests of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka and Gujarat

Project Great Indian Bustard

India’s critically endangered grassland bird, protected via:

• Captive breeding in Rajasthan
• Habitat restoration
• Protection from power line collisions

Rajasthan and Gujarat are the main focus.

Project Red Panda

Focused primarily in the Himalayan region of:

• Sikkim
• Arunachal Pradesh

It includes habitat mapping, captive breeding and monitoring.

Project Blackbuck

Conducted mainly in:

• Gujarat
• Rajasthan
• Odisha

Efforts include protected areas, grassland recovery and translocation.

Project Vulture

Started around 2006–2007 after sharp declines due to diclofenac poisoning.

Actions

• Ban on veterinary diclofenac
• Captive breeding centres
• Community education

Project Rhino (Assam Rhino Vision 2020)

Mainly run in Assam, focused on Indian One-Horned Rhino.

Measures

• Protection in Kaziranga, Pobitora and Orang
• Translocation to newer sites
• Anti-poaching squads

Why These Projects Matter

These initiatives:

• Protect endangered species
• Restore ecological balance
• Provide livelihoods through eco-tourism
• Strengthen India’s global conservation leadership