Conservation of Indian lions and tigers has moved into a complicated new phase. As the populations grow new challenges must be met.
With tigers the new goal is shifting beyond traditional reserves. Long-term habitat restoration is critical. The Buxa Tiger Reserve is being revived to give tigers additional habitat.
For tigers (Panthera Tigris) a lot is tiding on the redevelopment of the Buxa Conservation Space. It is situated along the border with Bhutan in northern West Bengal. About 760 square kilometers (more than 293 square miles) the reserve has faced problems
Problems included habitat fragmentation and not enough prey. The West Bengal Forest Department and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) stepped in.
Prey animals including deer have been moved into the area. India has relocated villages using voluntary relocation programs and compensation. This creates unbroken habitat.
Cats will be moved from similar habitats. To track them radio towers , satellite collar tracking and patrol units will be employed.
Corridors will be built to connect the tigers to preserves in Bhutan and Assam.
Project Lion meanwhile has to deal with low genetic diversity.
Launched to secure the long-term survival of the endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo leo), Project Lion addresses the ecological vulnerabilities of having the world’s entire wild lion population concentrated in Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Greater Gir landscape.
Authorities are tackling this problem with disease surveillance and wildlife hospitals. The fear is that an outbreak of disease could decimate the lions. That is why plans are underway to relocate some lions to other suitable habitat.
Of course conflict management is important.
Many lions roam outside sanctuaries and authorities are working on ways to prevent accidents. And conflicts. Train routing and providing well covers are two important steps. Successful so far the nation states its determination to protect its wildlife despite its national growth.