A fragmented habitat not only reduces the availability of prey but also increases the likelihood of human-tiger encounters, escalating potential conflicts

India’s tiger conservation efforts have gained global recognition, particularly since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. Over the past five decades, the country has made significant strides in protecting tigers and their habitats. According to the latest 2022 All India Tiger Estimation Report, India’s tiger population has risen to nearly 3,080 individuals, a sharp increase from 2,461 in 2018.

The success of India’s conservation initiatives can largely be attributed to the establishment of 53 tiger reserves, covering around 72,000 square kilometres across 18 states.

While these numbers are encouraging, the growing tiger population has also introduced new challenges. As tigers expand into new territories, human-tiger conflicts have become more frequent, particularly in areas where communities live close to protected zones. Simultaneously, the booming wildlife tourism industry has placed additional pressure on these reserves, posing risks to the very ecosystems that sustain tigers.

Wildlife safaris have become a major attraction in India’s tiger reserves, generating substantial revenue for local economies and raising awareness about tiger conservation. According to the Union Ministry of Tourism, wildlife tourism in India attracts millions of visitors annually, with tiger reserves among the top destinations. This tourism has created thousands of jobs, from safari guides and drivers to hotel and lodge staff, making it an essential component of the rural economy in many areas.

However, the surge in tourism brings significant ecological costs. The increased presence of safari vehicles and tourists can disrupt wildlife, particularly tigers, which are highly sensitive to human activity. This disturbance can negatively affect tiger sightings due to the noise and commotion caused by vehicles. It can also alter their hunting patterns, territorial movements and reproductive behaviour, all of which are critical to the species’ long-term survival.

The expansion of safari infrastructure, including roads, lodges and tourist facilities, poses a major threat to the integrity of tiger habitats. Roads and trails cut through dense forests and grasslands, fragmenting the continuous landscapes that tigers need to thrive. A fragmented habitat not only reduces the availability of prey but also increases the likelihood of human-tiger encounters, escalating potential conflicts.

A study by the Wildlife Conservation Trust highlighted that some reserves have experienced a 20-30 per cent reduction in core habitat areas due to the development of tourist infrastructure. This fragmentation also affects other species, such as leopards, sloth bears and deer, which play crucial roles in the ecosystem. When key species are displaced or their populations decline, it creates a ripple effect, disrupting the entire food chain and impacting overall ecosystem health.

Tiger corridors in India

As wildlife tourism expands, so does the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Tigers accustomed to human presence may venture closer to villages and farmlands, leading to attacks on livestock and, in some cases, people. In retaliation, local communities may resort to harmful measures, such as poisoning or shooting tigers, further endangering the species.
According to data from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, between 2015 and 2020, over 200 incidents of human-tiger conflict were reported in and around tiger reserves. These conflicts not only result in the loss of human life and livelihoods but also lead to the retaliatory killing of tigers, undermining conservation efforts. The challenge lies in mitigating human-wildlife conflict while ensuring that local communities benefit from conservation and tourism initiatives.

The future of India’s tiger reserves depends on adopting sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Limiting the number of safari vehicles allowed into reserves at any given time is one way to reduce stress on wildlife. For instance, Bandhavgarh National Park has implemented a strict cap on the number of vehicles permitted in the core area, helping to minimise disturbances to tigers and other wildlife.

Promoting eco-friendly practices, such as using electric or hybrid safari vehicles, reducing noise pollution and ensuring proper waste disposal, is also crucial. Additionally, educating tourists on the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats should be an integral part of the safari experience.

Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is essential to the long-term success of tiger conservation. By involving locals in tourism operations and providing alternative livelihoods, pressure on tiger habitats can be reduced. Community-based conservation programmes, such as those implemented in Periyar and Kaziranga, have demonstrated that when local communities are active stakeholders, human-wildlife conflict decreases and conservation outcomes improve.

Furthermore, raising awareness among tourists and locals about the importance of wildlife conservation can foster a sense of stewardship. Programmes offering eco-tourism certification to safari operators and lodges can incentivise responsible tourism practices, ensuring a balanced approach to both conservation and economic development.

Author: Mohd Islam, Senior Research Associate, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Climate Change, FLAME University.