Relevance: APPSC Andhra Pradesh Economy, Rayalaseema Development, Industrial Corridors.
For Prelims:
- Rayalaseema, Rain Shadow Region, Deccan Plateau, KIA Motors, JSW Steel Plant, Sri City, Sriharikota, Space City, Ultra-Mega Solar Parks, Ease of Doing Business
For Mains:
- Regional industrialisation, dryland development, manufacturing hub, investment-led growth, industrial infrastructure, horticulture-based food processing, balanced regional development
Why in News?
Rayalaseema, historically known for chronic drought, famines and arid conditions, is witnessing a visible economic transformation. The region is attracting large-scale investments in steel, automobile manufacturing, defence production, renewable energy, food processing and space-related industries, positioning it as an emerging industrial hub in Andhra Pradesh.
Background of Rayalaseema
- Rayalaseema lies in the rain shadow area of the Deccan Plateau, making it one of the drier regions of India. For centuries, the region faced water scarcity, droughts and limited economic opportunities.
- Agriculture and horticulture developed only in selected pockets, but the region did not have a strong industrial base for a long period. The same barren lands that were earlier seen as unsuitable for investment are now being used for industrial development.
- This transformation shows how infrastructure, policy support and investment promotion can change the economic profile of a backward region.
Earlier Industrial Base
The earliest industries in Rayalaseema were mostly linked to local raw materials and basic processing.
1. Cotton and Textile Units
- Rayalaseema saw the setting up of cotton ginning and pressing units, along with some textile mills.
2. Mineral-Based Industries
- The region also attracted mineral-based industrial activity, especially in the Kadapa-Kurnool belt.
3. Cement Plants
- Cement plants such as those of Dalmia Bharat and Zuari were established in the Kadapa-Kurnool region.
4. Power and Renewable Energy
- The Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant and ultra-mega solar parks in Kadapa and Kurnool districts added to the region’s industrial and energy profile.
New Industrial Push
In recent years, Rayalaseema has started attracting a fresh wave of large investments.
1. Automobile Manufacturing
- The establishment of KIA Motors’ car manufacturing plant in Anantapur triggered a new phase of industrial interest in the region.
- The proposed Royal Enfield manufacturing plant near Tirupati further strengthens Rayalaseema’s emerging automobile ecosystem.
2. Steel Industry
- The JSW Group’s integrated steel plant in Kadapa district is one of the most important projects in the region. Its first phase has a planned capacity of 1 MTPA, with a larger proposed investment plan.
3. Defence Manufacturing
Rayalaseema is also attracting defence-sector projects, including:
- DRDO’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft integration and flight testing centre at Puttaparthi
- Bharat Forge’s defence energetics facility at Madakasira
- HFCL’s high-precision ammunition unit in Sri Sathya Sai district
These projects can help position the region as a defence manufacturing destination.
4. Space-Linked Development
- A proposed Space City near Sriharikota, India’s only rocket launchpad, can strengthen the region’s role in space-linked manufacturing and technology development.
5. Core Manufacturing in Sri City
- Several new industries are taking shape in Sri City, adding momentum to Rayalaseema’s core manufacturing sector.
Factors Behind the Transformation
1. Availability of Land
- The region has vast tracts of land that can be used for large industrial projects.
2. Policy Support
- The State government has promoted Rayalaseema as an investment destination through incentives and investor outreach.
3. Ease and Speed of Doing Business
- The source highlights the government’s focus on ease of doing business and its evolution into speed of doing business.
4. Investment Promotion Mechanism
- The State Investment Promotion Board has played a role in attracting projects to the region.
5. Existing Industrial Base
- Power plants, cement industries, solar parks and the automobile ecosystem have provided a base for further industrial growth.
6. Sectoral Diversification
- The region is moving beyond agriculture into automobiles, steel, defence, renewable energy, food processing and space-linked industries.
Food Processing and Horticulture Potential
- The government is also focusing on consolidating Rayalaseema’s strength in horticulture crops.
- Since horticulture has already flourished in some pockets, the promotion of food processing industries can add value to local produce. This can benefit farmers, create rural employment and strengthen local supply chains.
- Food processing can become an important bridge between agriculture and industrialisation in the region.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Rayalaseema’s emerging industrial transformation:
- Rayalaseema lies in the rain shadow region of the Deccan Plateau.
- The region is witnessing investments in automobiles, steel, defence, renewable energy and space-linked sectors.
- The KIA Motors plant in Anantapur helped trigger investor interest in the region.
- Rayalaseema’s industrial growth is based only on agriculture and has no connection with manufacturing.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Rayalaseema is located in the rain shadow area of the Deccan Plateau.
Statement 2 is correct: The region is attracting investments in multiple sectors, including automobiles, steel, defence, renewable energy and space-linked industries.
Statement 3 is correct: The source states that the KIA Motors plant in Anantapur was a trigger for big-ticket investments.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Rayalaseema’s current transformation is strongly linked to manufacturing and industrial investment, not only agriculture.
FAQs
1. Why is Rayalaseema in news?
It is emerging as a major industrial and manufacturing hub.
2. Why was Rayalaseema drought-prone?
It lies in the rain shadow region of the Deccan Plateau.
3. What were its early industries?
Cotton, textiles, cement, thermal power and solar parks.
4. Which project triggered new investments?
KIA Motors plant in Anantapur.
5. Which major steel project is coming up?
JSW integrated steel plant in Kadapa.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper III: Environment, Biodiversity, Wildlife Conservation, EIA, Hydropower Projects
For Prelims:
- White-Bellied Heron, Ardea insignis, Critically Endangered, IUCN Red List, Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Lohit River, Riparian Forest, Eastern Himalaya, Hydropower Project
For Mains:
- Basin-level assessment, riverine biodiversity, ecological flow, environmental governance, species-specific conservation, precautionary principle, critical habitat protection, compensatory afforestation limitations
Why in News?
India’s rarest heron, the white-bellied heron, faces a serious conservation threat due to a proposed hydroelectric project in the Lohit river basin of Arunachal Pradesh. The project may alter the river’s flow, turbidity and riparian habitat, which are essential for the bird’s survival.
The concern is greater because the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project did not include the white-bellied heron, even though the Lohit basin supports a major share of India’s remaining population of this species.
About White-Bellied Heron
The white-bellied heron is one of the world’s rarest and most elusive birds
| Aspect | Details |
| Scientific name | Ardea insignis |
| IUCN Status | Critically Endangered |
| Legal protection in India | Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
| Habitat | Fast-flowing Himalayan rivers with mature riparian forests |
| Diet | Mainly fish |
| Major Indian range | Limited pockets of Arunachal Pradesh |
The bird was first scientifically described in 1878 from the Teesta region, but it is no longer found there. This shows how specialised riverine species can disappear when their habitat is disturbed.
IUCN Red List
Basic Information
- Established: 1964
- Prepared by: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- It assesses the global extinction risk of animals, plants and fungi.
- It is known as the “Barometer of Life.”
IUCN Red List Criteria
Species are assessed under five scientific criteria—A to E. A species may qualify for a threatened category by meeting any one criterion.
| Criterion | Basis of Assessment |
| A. Population Reduction | Decline in population over a specified period. |
| B. Geographic Range | Restricted or declining geographical distribution, fragmentation or habitat loss. |
| C. Small Population and Decline | Small number of mature individuals along with continuing decline. |
| D. Very Small or Restricted Population | Extremely small population or highly restricted distribution. |
| E. Quantitative Analysis | Statistical estimation of the probability of extinction. |
Important Thresholds
- A population decline of 90% or more may qualify a species as Critically Endangered, depending on the applicable condition.
- Under Criterion C, an Endangered species may have fewer than 2,500 mature individuals, along with continuing decline.
- Under Criterion D:
- Critically Endangered: fewer than 50 mature individuals
- Endangered: fewer than 250 mature individuals
- Vulnerable: fewer than 1,000 mature individuals
- A probability of extinction of at least 50% within 10 years or three generations may qualify a species as Critically Endangered.
IUCN Red List Categories
| Category | Meaning |
| Extinct — EX | No living individual remains after exhaustive surveys. |
| Extinct in the Wild — EW | Survives only in captivity, cultivation or outside its natural range. |
| Critically Endangered — CR | Faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Endangered — EN | Faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Vulnerable — VU | Faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Near Threatened — NT | Close to qualifying for a threatened category. |
| Least Concern — LC | Widespread or abundant with low extinction risk. |
| Data Deficient — DD | Available information is insufficient for assessment. |
| Not Evaluated — NE | Has not yet been assessed. |
Why the Lohit Basin is Critical
The white-bellied heron has an extremely small population in India. It is found mainly in three river systems:
- Noa-Dehing River
- Lahm River
- Lohit River
The Lahm River is a tributary of the Lohit River. Together, the Lohit basin supports around 70% of India’s white-bellied herons.
Why this matters
- The species depends on connected river habitats.
- It uses different areas for feeding, nesting and roosting.
- Damage to one part of the basin can affect the entire local population.
Therefore, the Lohit basin should be treated as a critical habitat zone, not merely as a project site.
Ecological Needs of the Species
The white-bellied heron has a very specialised survival pattern.
1. Shallow River Waters for Feeding
It hunts mainly in shallow flowing water. Its diet is fish-based, so changes in fish movement or water clarity directly affect its feeding.
2. Mature Riparian Forests for Nesting
The bird uses tall trees in mature riverine forests for nesting and roosting.
3. Low Human Disturbance
The species avoids even minimal human disturbance. This makes roads, tourism, construction and extraction activities highly risky.
4. Stable River Ecology
It requires natural river flow, suitable water depth and low turbidity for successful foraging.
Threat from the Hydropower Project
The proposed hydropower project in the Lohit basin may affect the species in multiple ways.
1. Alteration of River Flow
A dam can change the natural flow of the river. This may reduce shallow-water feeding zones used by the bird.
2. Increased Turbidity
Changes in water clarity can reduce the bird’s ability to locate fish.
3. Loss of Riparian Forest
The project involves clearing mature riverine forest. This can destroy nesting and roosting sites.
4. Habitat Submergence
Submergence of riverbank areas may remove feeding and breeding habitats.
5. Risk of Local Extinction
Since the population is already very small, even limited habitat loss can push the species towards local extinction.
Gaps in Environmental Impact Assessment
The most serious governance concern is that the white-bellied heron was not included in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment.
Why this is problematic
- The species is Critically Endangered.
- It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
- The Lohit basin supports a major share of its Indian population.
- Its habitat use goes beyond the exact diversion area.
A narrow project-site approach is inadequate for such a species. The assessment should follow a basin-level ecological approach, covering nesting, roosting and feeding zones across the connected river system.
Larger Ecological Concerns
The Eastern Himalaya is part of a global biodiversity hotspot. It has complex river systems, dense forests, fragile slopes and high species diversity.
1. Limits of Compensatory Afforestation
Compensatory afforestation cannot fully replace mature natural forests. A plantation created elsewhere cannot recreate the same riverine ecological functions of old-growth riparian forests.
2. River Systems as Living Ecosystems
Rivers are not only water channels. They support fish, birds, forests, wetlands and local communities.
3. Cumulative Impact of Projects
A single project may look manageable in isolation, but multiple interventions in a river basin can create cumulative ecological stress.
4. Local Community Concerns
Local communities have raised concerns over land submergence, baseline data and exclusion of important ecological and cultural realities from the assessment.
Other Threats to White-Bellied Heron
Apart from the hydropower project, the bird faces several local pressures:
- sand extraction
- fish poisoning
- pollution
- unregulated tourism
- removal of river boulders
- changes in river courses
- human disturbance near nesting areas
These threats weaken the already fragile survival chances of the species.
Conservation Significance
The white-bellied heron case highlights an important UPSC theme: development must be ecologically informed.
1. Beyond Charismatic Species
Indian conservation often focuses on tigers and elephants. Rare species like the white-bellied heron also need urgent protection.
2. Indicator of River Health
The species reflects the health of fast-flowing Himalayan river ecosystems.
3. Need for Precautionary Principle
When a species is critically endangered and its population is extremely small, decision-making must follow the precautionary principle.
4. Better Environmental Governance
Strong laws exist on paper, but implementation gaps can weaken conservation outcomes.
Way Forward
1. Basin-Level Impact Assessment
The Lohit basin should be assessed as one connected ecological unit, not merely as a project diversion area.
2. Species-Specific Conservation Plan
A dedicated recovery plan is needed for the white-bellied heron, focusing on habitat protection, breeding sites and threat reduction.
3. Protect Riparian Forests
Mature riverine forests should be treated as critical nesting and roosting habitats.
4. Strengthen EIA Process
Environmental assessments must include rare and Schedule I species even if they are not recorded exactly within the project boundary.
5. Regulate Local Threats
Illegal sand extraction, fish poisoning, pollution and tourism disturbance should be strictly controlled.
6. Conservation Breeding
India can explore conservation breeding centres and learn from Bhutan’s captive breeding efforts for the species.
7. Ensure Community Participation
Local communities should be involved in biodiversity monitoring and habitat protection.
Conclusion
The white-bellied heron is a symbol of the fragile river ecosystems of the Eastern Himalaya. The proposed hydropower project in the Lohit basin raises larger questions about EIA quality, compensatory afforestation, basin-level planning and species-sensitive development. For a critically endangered species with a very small population, conservation cannot be an afterthought. India needs a science-based, precautionary and basin-level approach to ensure that development does not lead to silent extinction.
UPSC PYQ
Q. ‘Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations? (2023)
A) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
B) The United Nations Environment Programme
C) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
D) The World Wide Fund for Nature
Answer: A
Explanation:
- The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hence, option (a) is correct.
- It was established in 1994.
- The ISSG manages the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), which provides information on invasive alien species worldwide. The ISSG also maintains other online resources such as the Aliens-L listserv, the Invasive Species Compendium, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, and the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the white-bellied heron:
- It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- It depends on fast-flowing rivers and mature riparian forests.
- It is commonly found across all major Indian river systems.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The white-bellied heron is listed as Critically Endangered.
Statement 2 is correct: It receives the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Statement 3 is correct: It depends on fast-flowing Himalayan rivers, shallow waters and mature riparian forests.
Statement 4 is incorrect: It is now restricted to limited pockets and is not commonly found across India.
FAQs
1. Why is the white-bellied heron in news?
It faces habitat threats from a proposed hydropower project in the Lohit basin.
2. What is its conservation status?
It is Critically Endangered.
3. What legal protection does it get in India?
It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
4. Where is it found in India?
Mainly in limited river systems of Arunachal Pradesh.
5. Why is the Lohit basin important?
It supports a major share of India’s remaining population of the species.
6. What habitat does it need?
Fast-flowing rivers, shallow waters and mature riparian forests.
Relevance: GS Paper III: Environment, Biodiversity, Wildlife Conservation, Ecology
For Prelims:
- International Tiger Day, Project Tiger, NTCA, All India Tiger Estimation, M-STrIPES, Global Tiger Forum, International Big Cat Alliance, CA|TS, Tiger Conservation Plan, Panthera tigris
For Mains:
- Apex predator, umbrella species, landscape-based conservation, community participation, ecological security, science-based monitoring, climate-resilient habitats, human-wildlife conflict
Why in News?
International Tiger Day 2026 will be observed on 29 July 2026. The day is used as a global platform to spread awareness about tiger conservation, threats to wild tigers and the need to protect their habitats.
India plays a leading role in global tiger conservation because it is home to the world’s largest wild tiger population. India’s conservation model is built on Project Tiger, National Tiger Conservation Authority, scientific monitoring, community participation and international cooperation.
About International Tiger Day
- International Tiger Day is observed every year on 29 July.
- It was established during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, where leaders from 13 tiger-range countries came together to address the sharp decline in wild tiger numbers.
- The summit adopted the Tx2 Goal, which aimed to double the global wild tiger population by 2022. Since then, International Tiger Day has become an annual reminder of the need for stronger conservation action, habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts.
About Tiger
Prelims Facts
|
Why Tigers Matter
Tiger conservation is not only about saving one species. It is about protecting entire ecosystems.
1. Apex Predator
Tigers regulate prey populations and help maintain ecological balance.
2. Umbrella Species
When tiger habitats are protected, many other species, forests, rivers and grasslands are also conserved.
3. Forest Health Indicator
A healthy tiger population indicates good habitat quality, adequate prey base and functioning ecosystems.
4. Ecosystem Services
Tiger landscapes support water regulation, soil conservation, pollination, climate moderation and disaster risk reduction.
Thus, protecting tigers means protecting biodiversity, ecological security and human well-being.
India’s Tiger Conservation Success
- India has emerged as a global leader in tiger conservation. It is home to nearly 70% of the world’s wild tigers.
- The All India Tiger Estimation 2022 placed India’s tiger population at 3,682. This recovery reflects decades of conservation action based on:
- habitat protection
- scientific monitoring
- anti-poaching measures
- community participation
- institutional support
- cooperative federalism
India’s success shows how a species can recover when conservation is supported by science, law and governance.
Institutional Framework for Tiger Conservation
1. Project Tiger
Project Tiger is the flagship programme of the Government of India for tiger conservation. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It focuses on:
- securing viable tiger populations
- protecting natural habitats
- supporting tiger-range States
- improving field-based monitoring
- strengthening habitat management
Project Tiger remains the backbone of India’s tiger conservation model.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority
The National Tiger Conservation Authority oversees implementation of Project Tiger.
Its key functions include:
- approving Tiger Conservation Plans
- issuing standard operating procedures
- guiding tiger-range States
- providing technical and financial support
- monitoring tiger reserve management
NTCA brings scientific and institutional discipline to tiger conservation.
3. Tiger Conservation Plan
Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, State governments prepare Tiger Conservation Plans for tiger reserves.
These plans aim to protect:
- tigers
- co-predators
- prey animals
- habitats
- ecological integrity of tiger reserves
This makes tiger conservation legally backed and management-oriented.
4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau strengthens India’s fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade. It plays an important role in wildlife crime intelligence, coordination and enforcement.
Landscape-Based Conservation
India follows a landscape-based approach to tiger conservation.
Core Area
Also called Critical Tiger Habitat, this area receives the highest level of protection.
Buffer Area
This zone balances conservation with sustainable livelihood needs of local communities.
Wildlife Corridors
- Corridors allow tigers to move safely between habitats. They maintain genetic exchange and reduce population isolation.
- This approach is important because tigers cannot survive in isolated forest patches alone. They need connected landscapes.
Monitoring and Technology
India’s tiger monitoring system is one of the most advanced in the world.
1. All India Tiger Estimation
The All India Tiger Estimation is conducted every four years by the NTCA in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India.
It assesses:
- tiger population
- prey species
- co-predators
- habitat quality
It supports evidence-based conservation planning.
2. M-STrIPES
M-STrIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.
It uses:
- GPS
- GPRS
- remote sensing
- field data
This improves patrolling, monitoring and decision-making.
3. Camera Traps and AI Tools
Camera traps and AI-based tools help classify images and identify individual tigers through stripe patterns.
This reduces human error and improves accuracy in population estimation.
4. Management Effectiveness Evaluation
MEE evaluates how well tiger reserves are managed. It helps identify gaps in protection, planning and conservation outcomes.
Global Cooperation in Tiger Conservation
India is also contributing to global wildlife conservation.
1. International Big Cat Alliance
The International Big Cat Alliance promotes conservation of seven big cats:
- tiger
- lion
- leopard
- snow leopard
- cheetah
- jaguar
- puma
Its Secretariat is headquartered in India.
2. Global Tiger Forum
The Global Tiger Forum, headquartered in New Delhi, is the world’s only intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to tiger conservation.
It supports:
- landscape-scale conservation
- capacity building
- technology sharing
- protection of tiger habitats and prey
3. CA|TS Accreditation
Conservation Assured Tiger Standards is a global certification system for effective tiger reserve management. It sets benchmarks for protection, habitat management, community involvement and monitoring.
Significance of Tiger Conservation
1. Biodiversity Protection
Tiger conservation protects forests, prey species, co-predators and many smaller species.
2. Ecological Balance
As apex predators, tigers prevent imbalance in herbivore populations and forest ecosystems.
3. Climate and Water Security
Tiger habitats help conserve forests, store carbon, regulate water and protect soil.
4. Rural Livelihoods
Healthy forests support local livelihoods through ecosystem services and responsible eco-tourism.
5. National and Cultural Identity
The tiger represents India’s natural heritage and biodiversity wealth.
6. Global Leadership
India’s success gives it credibility in international conservation platforms.
Challenges
1. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
Tiger parts remain targets of illegal wildlife trade.
2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Infrastructure, mining, agriculture and urban expansion can break tiger habitats.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict
As tiger populations expand, conflict may increase near forest edges.
4. Corridor Degradation
Without safe corridors, tiger populations may become isolated.
5. Climate Change
Changing rainfall, forest quality and water availability can affect tiger habitats.
6. Livelihood Pressure
Conservation must address the needs of local communities living near tiger reserves.
Way Forward
1. Protect Connected Landscapes
Tiger reserves must be linked through secure corridors.
2. Strengthen Anti-Poaching Systems
Patrolling, intelligence networks, drones, camera traps and local reporting systems should be strengthened.
3. Deepen Community Participation
Local communities must be part of conservation through eco-development, livelihood support and benefit-sharing.
4. Promote Responsible Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism can generate local income while creating awareness, but it must be regulated.
5. Use Science and Technology
M-STrIPES, camera traps, AI tools and remote sensing should guide conservation decisions.
6. Build Climate-Resilient Habitats
Tiger landscapes should be managed for water security, forest health and climate adaptation.
7. Strengthen Global Cooperation
India should continue sharing its conservation experience with tiger-range countries.
Conclusion
International Tiger Day 2026 reminds the world that tiger conservation is central to biodiversity protection and ecological security. India’s experience shows that tiger recovery is possible through Project Tiger, NTCA, scientific monitoring, legal protection, community participation and global cooperation. The next phase must focus on connected, climate-resilient and people-centred tiger landscapes so that tiger conservation continues to protect both wildlife and human well-being.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020)
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
(d) Sundarbans
Answer: (c)
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding tiger conservation in India:
- The tiger is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Project Tiger is India’s flagship programme for conserving tigers and their habitats.
- M-STrIPES is used for technology-driven tiger monitoring.
- Tigers are called umbrella species because conserving tiger habitats also protects many other species.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The tiger is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Statement 2 is correct: Project Tiger is India’s flagship tiger conservation programme.
Statement 3 is correct: M-STrIPES uses digital tools for tiger monitoring.
Statement 4 is correct: Tigers are umbrella species because protecting their habitats also protects wider biodiversity.
FAQs
1. When is International Tiger Day observed?
It is observed every year on 29 July.
2. Where did International Tiger Day originate?
At the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010.
3. What was the Tx2 Goal?
It was a global goal to double the wild tiger population by 2022.
4. What is the scientific name of tiger?
Panthera tigris.
5. What is the IUCN status of tiger?
Endangered.
6. Which tiger is India’s National Animal?
The Royal Bengal Tiger.
7. What is Project Tiger?
India’s flagship programme for tiger and habitat conservation.
8. What is NTCA?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority, which oversees tiger conservation.
9. What is M-STrIPES?
A digital system for tiger monitoring and protection.
