What is 'Project Tiger'? What was the objective of this project?

Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation program launched by the Government of India in 1973 to protect the declining Bengal tiger population and its natural habitats. Initiated when tiger numbers had plummeted to approximately 1,800 individuals due to rampant poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict, this landmark initiative represented India's commitment to preserving its national animal and the ecosystems tigers represent. The project established dedicated tiger reserves with core areas free from human disturbance surrounded by buffer zones allowing limited regulated activities.

The primary objectives were to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural, and ecological values, and to preserve areas of biological importance as natural heritage for present and future generations. The project aimed to protect entire ecosystems rather than just tigers, recognizing that conserving apex predators requires maintaining healthy prey populations and intact forest habitats. Today, Project Tiger manages over 50 tiger reserves covering approximately 75,000 square kilometers, and has successfully increased tiger numbers to around 3,000 individuals, demonstrating that dedicated conservation efforts combining habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, community involvement, and scientific monitoring can reverse the decline of endangered species.