Why is it in the news?
- The Supreme Court has recently imposed a ban on tiger safaris within the core areas of the Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, India.
- The ban is a response to growing concerns about the impact of tourism on wildlife habitats and aims to strike a balance between conservation efforts and promoting sustainable tourism.
| About Biosphere Reserves
· Biosphere reserves, recognized and protected by UNESCO, are designated areas aimed at promoting sustainable development while conserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. · Typically, biosphere reserves are divided into three zones: 1) Core Zone: A strictly protected area where human activities are not allowed, ensuring the preservation of natural habitats. 2) Buffer Zone: An area where limited human activities, including research and eco-tourism, are permitted. This zone acts as a transition between the core area and areas of human habitation. 3) Transition Zone: An area where sustainable development practices such as farming and forestry are encouraged. · Examples of biosphere reserves in India include Nanda Devi, Nokrek, and Nilgiri, spread across different states.
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Impact of Tourism on Wildlife
- Unregulated tourism can lead to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and disruption of natural behaviours in wildlife.
- Tourism infrastructure, such as roads and resorts, can block important wildlife corridors, hindering the movement of animals between habitats.
- Increased human activity, including vehicle emissions and waste disposal, contributes to pollution, which can degrade habitats and harm wildlife.
- In the case of Jim Corbett National Park, tourism has been identified as a factor contributing to habitat destruction and disturbance of wildlife.
| Corbett National Park
· Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed after Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter and naturalist. · The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tigers, Himalayan black bears, Indian elephants, and various bird species. · It is divided into six major tourism zones, each offering unique experiences for visitors. · Jim Corbett National Park holds historical significance as the site where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973, aiming to protect and conserve the tiger population in India.
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Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s decision to ban tiger safaris in the core areas of Jim Corbett National Park highlights the importance of preserving sensitive ecosystems. The core area of the park constitutes the Jim Corbett National Park itself, while the buffer zone includes reserve forests and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
- While the ban restricts tourism activities in core areas, it allows for safaris to continue in peripheral and buffer zones under certain conditions, ensuring wildlife conservation efforts are not compromised.
- The decision aims to maintain a delicate balance between promoting tourism and safeguarding the natural habitats and wildlife within the park.
| · India currently harbours 75 percent of the world’s wild tiger population, as reported in the Status of Tigers 2022 report.
· The country boasts 54 designated tiger reserves aimed at conserving the endangered tiger species. · Among these reserves, Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park stands out with the highest number of tigers, totalling 260 within the reserve, while an additional 319 tigers utilize the broader tiger reserve area. |
