Why the government wants to focus on restoring struggling tiger reserves

📌 Summary:

• Marking the 18th anniversary of tiger reintroductions at Sariska (Alwar, Rajasthan), the Environment Ministry released two assessments: a roadmap to manage tigers ahead, and lessons from 12 re-introduction initiatives
• India's tiger population rose from 1,411 (2006) to 3,682 (2022) across 58 reserves over 85,000 sq km, growing ~6% annually
• But numbers are concentrated: 10-12 reserves account for ~36% of all tigers, while 12 reserves have fewer than three tigers and three (Kawal, Kamlang, Dampa) have zero
• Core problem is the imbalance between 'source populations' (high habitat, prey, tiger numbers) and 'sink populations' (no breeding tigers or forest connectivity)
• High-density reserves push tigers into buffer/agricultural areas, raising human-wildlife conflict, livestock dependence and mortality on railways, roads and canals
• Roadmap calls for consolidating source populations in 13 reserves (e.g., Corbett, Bandipur, Kaziranga), priority interventions in 25 reserves, and reintroductions where fewer than five tigers remain

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Environment — species conservation strategy, habitat connectivity, human-wildlife conflict, and Project Tiger governance.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Tiger census: 1,411 (2006) to 3,682 (2022); 58 tiger reserves over ~85,000 sq km
• Reserves with zero tigers: Kawal, Kamlang, Dampa
• Sariska (Rajasthan, Aravallis) saw tiger reintroductions 18 years ago

🔑 Key Term: Source-sink dynamics — a conservation concept where thriving 'source' habitats supply dispersing individuals to depleted 'sink' habitats that cannot sustain populations on their own.