Tiger Reserves & Project Tiger — Set 8

Correct Answer: A. About 3,900

The global wild tiger population is estimated at around 3,900 as per recent assessments. India alone accounts for over 3,167 of these, which is more than 75% of the global tiger population. Other tiger range countries include Russia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Southeast Asian nations.

Correct Answer: B. Achanakmar

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh is part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve which extends across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The reserve is characterized by sal and teak forests. It is an important tiger habitat in the central Indian landscape.

Correct Answer: B. Poaching and habitat fragmentation

Poaching and habitat fragmentation remain the primary threats to tigers in India. Tiger body parts are illegally traded for use in traditional medicine in some Asian countries. Habitat fragmentation due to development projects disrupts tiger movement and gene flow between populations.

Correct Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is located in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu. It is the southernmost tiger reserve in India. KMTR is part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and is known for its high biodiversity and endemic species.

Correct Answer: C. July 29

International Tiger Day is celebrated on July 29 every year. It was established at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia in 2010 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. India has used this day to release major tiger census results, including the 2019 announcement of the 2018 census findings.

Correct Answer: B. 2010

The St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation was adopted in 2010 at the Global Tiger Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia. It set the TX2 goal of doubling the global wild tiger population by 2022. India was one of the 13 tiger range countries that signed the declaration.

Correct Answer: C. Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is known for one of the highest tiger densities per unit area in the world. The reserve's prey-rich habitat and intensive protection contribute to this high density. Tiger sightings at Bandhavgarh are among the most reliable in all of India.

Correct Answer: B. Compensation schemes and coexistence programmes for affected communities

Human-tiger conflict occurs when tigers kill livestock or occasionally people near reserve boundaries. Compensation schemes under state governments and NTCA help affected communities. Coexistence programmes, predator-proof livestock enclosures, and early warning systems are key mitigation strategies.

Correct Answer: C. Ramganga

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is situated along the Ramganga River in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. The Ramganga reservoir (Corbett Lake) is within the reserve. The river system supports the rich biodiversity including tigers, leopards, and gharials.

Correct Answer: B. 1,411

India's tiger population was estimated at about 1,411 in 2006, which was an alarming low. This triggered the formation of the Tiger Task Force and the establishment of NTCA. Subsequent censuses showed consistent growth: 1,706 (2010), 2,226 (2014), 2,967 (2018), and 3,167 (2022).