National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Context: The tragic death of a forest ranger in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve underscores the urgent need for the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to enhance safety protocols and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies to protect frontline conservation personnel. Important Pointers:
NTCA: Statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for strengthening tiger conservation.
Legal Basis: Established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended by the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006.
Functions:
Implements Project Tiger for in-situ conservation of tigers.
Approves and monitors conservation plans for tiger reserves.
Ensures ecological and social security in core and buffer areas.
Composition:
Chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Includes wildlife experts and three Members of Parliament.
Powers:
Can lay down guidelines, coordinate tiger reserve management, and recommend state-level actions.
Significance:
Plays a key role in the All India Tiger Estimation, conducted every 4 years.
Enhances synergy between the centre and states for wildlife conservation.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:
Location: Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district, southeastern Rajasthan.
Establishment: Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973; became a national park in 1980.
Geography: Lies at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges; known for dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadows.
Core Area: Covers 392 sq km; total area including buffer is around 1,334 sq km.
Famous For:
High density of tigers, often spotted in the daytime.
Presence of Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site under Hill Forts of Rajasthan).
Flora and Fauna:
Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, marsh crocodiles, sambar deer, sloth bears, and nilgai.
Dominant vegetation: Dhok trees.