A Review On Wildlife Conservation Projects For The Flagship Species Of India

IntroductionWildlife conservation, apart from being a subject of fascination, interest, and research throughout the world, is also directly and indirectly involved with the survival of the human race. Unfortunately, the wild flora and fauna are under severe pressure due to dwindling habitat, climate change, and human intervention. It is vital that they continue to exist with minimum disturbance. India, being a tropical country has a diverse array of climatic conditions, and thus is adorned with abundant wildlife diversity. On the other hand, India has also seen an upward trend in population ever since independence. Expansion of urbanization, agriculture, and other anthropogenic activities has led to increasing fragmentation of habitat areas and loss. This coupled with improper management and poaching has brought some of the most popular megafauna near extinction. Many animals, including wild ones, have immense cultural and traditional reverence in India and the rest of the world. Most notable of them include the tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, etc. Many of these animals serve as ecological indicators for a healthy ecosystem, which in turn brings material benefit, knowledge of genetic resources, and recreation. Public and private stakeholders can be encouraged to make active provisions for in situ animal conservations. The revenue generated from ecotourism can thus sustain the local population, mitigate conflicts and losses, as well as promote scientific research towards better understanding and conservation (Hundal, 2004)