Threats to Tigers:
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- Habitat loss: Due to tremendous pressure on space and resources for human needs.
- Genetic inbreeding: Fewer mates to choose from, lower genetic diversity.
- Man –Tiger conflict: Due to close proximity, villagers often hunt tigers for personal safety and also to protect their livestock.
- Illegal wildlife trade: Areas around parks are easy targets for poachers and this is leading to one of the fastest growing illegal activity in the world.
- One of the river links in National River Linking Project would pass through Panna tiger reserve
- TSR Subramanian Committee recommends easy environmental clearance which might lead to habitat loss.
Measures need to be taken by India and other countries to preserve tigers and other endangered species:
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- Maintaining inviolate core habitats for breeding.
- Ensure habitat connectivity for genetic exchange.
- Total ban on poaching of both tigers and prey.
- Better security and safety regulations of tiger corridors.
- Better collaboration of different countries with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) which contributes to tiger conservation.
- Proper implementation of Global Tiger Initiative(GTI) by all participant countries.
- Better coordination with CITES for better delivery through “Project Tiger 1972”
- Strengthen wildlife crime control bureau