National Tiger Conservation Authority facts for kids
Logo of the NTCA
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| Tiger conservation overview | |
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| Formed | December 2005 |
| Parent department | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Child Tiger conservation |
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| Website | https://www.tigernet.nic.in/ |
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was created in India in December 2005. It was set up after a special group, called the Tiger Task Force, suggested it. The main goal was to better manage Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves across India.
Protecting Tigers in India
A program called 'Tiger Protection Program' (better known as Project Tiger) started in 1973. The Government of India launched it with help from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
In 2010, a detailed study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) found something important. They used special camera traps to count tigers. This was much more accurate than the old way of counting footprints, called pugmarks. The report showed that earlier guesses about tiger numbers might have been too high. The National Tiger Conservation Authority's report, Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India, estimated only 1,411 adult tigers in India at that time.
For example, in 16 tiger reserves across states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, there were only about 490 tigers. This was a big drop from the 1,233 tigers thought to be in these areas in 2002. The 2002 survey had claimed India had 3,500 tigers in total, but the new survey suggested only 1,400 remained.
Moving villagers out of tiger reserves can also help, if done carefully. Villagers get better access to schools and healthcare. They can also farm without fear of tiger attacks. For tigers, their prey animals grow in number when there's less disturbance. It also makes it harder for poachers to hide their activities.
There have been concerns about the illegal trade in tiger body parts. However, at a big meeting called CITES in June, a proposal to allow trade in parts from captive-bred tigers was rejected. Instead, a key decision was made: "tigers should not be bred for trade in their parts and derivatives." This means it's against the rules to breed tigers just to sell their body parts.
The most recent count of wild tigers by the Authority was in 2018. It estimated the number at 2,967. This was a good sign, showing a 33% increase since 2014.
How the NTCA Works
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was changed in 2006. These changes helped create the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The NTCA is in charge of making sure the Project Tiger plan works to protect endangered tigers.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority is led by the Minister for Environment and Forests. The Authority also includes eight experts in wildlife conservation and community welfare. Three Members of Parliament are also part of it. The Inspector General of Forests, who looks after Project Tiger, is also a key member.
The Authority sets rules and guidelines for tiger conservation. This includes rules for Tiger Reserves, as well as National Parks and Sanctuaries. It also collects information on how tigers are protected. This includes details on future conservation plans, tiger counts, checking for diseases, and patrolling. They also report on any unusual events.
The Authority helps states manage their tiger reserves. They support eco-development and involve local people in conservation efforts. This is done according to approved plans and laws.
The Tiger Conservation Authority must prepare a report every year. This report is then presented to the Parliament.
Special committees are also set up in states that have tigers. These are led by the Chief Ministers of those states. This helps make sure tiger protection efforts are coordinated and monitored.
States are also asked to create a Tiger Conservation Plan. This plan includes training staff and placing them to protect tiger reserves. It also covers how to develop the reserves while allowing farming nearby. The plan also makes sure that the interests of people living inside or near a forest or tiger reserve are protected. The core (most important) and buffer (surrounding) areas of reserves are clearly defined to avoid confusion.
States can also set up a Tiger Conservation Foundation. This Foundation is like a trust. It helps raise money to support eco-tourism and eco-development. It also involves local people in these activities.
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006, became law on September 4, 2006. This Act made it possible to create the National Tiger Conservation Authority. It also led to the creation of the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau).
Over the years, it became clear that a strong legal body was needed to protect tigers. Based on advice from the National Board for Wildlife, a special Task Force was formed. This group looked into the challenges of tiger conservation in India. They suggested making Project Tiger stronger by giving it legal and administrative powers. They also recommended creating the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The Task Force also said that an annual report should be given to the government. This helps Parliament review how Project Tiger is doing and address local people's concerns.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority works with states to protect tigers. It also allows Parliament to oversee these efforts. The Authority also makes sure that the ways of life of local people near Tiger Reserves are not harmed. It also protects the rights of tribal communities and other people living nearby. The core (critical) and buffer (peripheral) areas are clearly defined, while still protecting the interests of these communities.
The Authority's jobs and powers include:
- Approving Tiger Conservation Plans made by states.
- Setting standards for tiger conservation.
- Providing information on protection, tiger counts, and patrolling.
- Helping manage conflicts between humans and wild animals.
- Preparing an annual report for Parliament.
- Helping states set up Steering Committees.
- Ensuring states create tiger protection and conservation plans.
- Protecting the farming and living interests of people in and around Tiger Reserves.
- Helping states set up Tiger Conservation Foundations to support development.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority was officially announced on September 4, 2006. It was set up for three years. The Minister for Environment and Forests is its chairperson. The Minister of State for Environment and Forests is the vice-chairperson. Other official members include secretaries from various ministries and wildlife officials. Three Members of Parliament are chosen by the Parliament. The Ministry of Law and Justice also nominates an officer. The Ministry of Environment and Forests also selects eight non-official experts. At least two of these experts work in tribal development. The Inspector General of Forests, who is in charge of Project Tiger, is the Member Secretary of the Authority.
The ministry is also setting up the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. This Bureau collects information about wildlife crimes. It works with state governments and other authorities. It also helps build better ways to investigate wildlife crimes. The Bureau helps states successfully prosecute these crimes.
There are strict penalties for harming tigers or hunting in a tiger reserve. These rules help protect tigers and their homes.
