On World Wildlife Day 2025, India reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation by highlighting a range of policies, financial investments, and successful species protection programs. With its rich biodiversity, accounting for nearly 7-8% of all known species, India remains a global leader in conservation initiatives. The government, primarily through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has undertaken several flagship programs aimed at safeguarding its ecological heritage.

 

Key Budgetary Allocations for Wildlife Conservation

 

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹3,412.82 crore for the MoEFCC, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. A significant portion of ₹450 crore has been earmarked for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, while ₹290 crore (64%) of the total allocation is directed towards Project Tiger and Project Elephant, reflecting an 18% rise in conservation funding.

 

Expanding India’s Protected Areas

 

India has systematically expanded its network of protected areas, which now includes:

 

• 106 National Parks

• 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries

• 115 Conservation Reserves

• 220 Community Reserves

 

These areas cover 1,75,169.42 sq. km, representing 5.32% of India’s total landmass. The National Wildlife Database Centre is playing a crucial role in maintaining comprehensive data on conservation efforts.

 

Major Conservation Initiatives and Species-Specific Programs

 

1. Project Dolphin

• Launched in 2020, Project Dolphin focuses on conserving both riverine and marine dolphins. The government has identified key conservation hotspots across Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep, with efforts spanning habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness.

• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted India’s first-ever satellite tagging of the Ganges River Dolphin in December 2024, a significant milestone for dolphin conservation.

• A 200 km stretch of the Chambal River has been proposed as a Dolphin Conservation Zone.

 

2. 50 Years of Project Tiger

• India’s tiger conservation program, launched in 1973, has seen remarkable success, with the tiger population growing to 3,682 in 2022.

• India now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.

• 54 Tiger Reserves spanning 78,000 sq. km have been established.

• India leads globally in tiger conservation efforts, with 23 tiger reserves accredited by the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS).

 

3. Project Cheetah

• Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India after their extinction in the 1950s.

• 20 cheetahs were translocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park.

• The first cheetah cubs born in India after 75 years marked a significant milestone.

• The program actively engages 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (community volunteers) for awareness and conservation.

 

4. Project Elephant

With over 60% of the global Asian elephant population, India has implemented key conservation measures:

1. Elephant population increased from 26,786 (2018) to 29,964 (2022).

2. 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states ensure habitat protection.

3. ₹236.58 crore has been allocated to mitigate human-elephant conflict and enhance conservation.

 

5. Project Lion

• Focusing on the conservation of Asiatic lions, Project Lion has helped increase the population from 411 in 2010 to 674 in 2020.

• Gujarat leads lion conservation efforts, with increased funding of ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Asiatic lion from “Critically Endangered” to “Endangered” in 2008.

 

6. Conservation of the One-Horned Rhinoceros

• The Kaziranga National Park remains a global success story, with 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, accounting for 68% of the world’s population.

• Indian Rhino Vision 2020 and the National Conservation Strategy have significantly expanded rhino habitats.

 

Technological Innovations in Conservation

 

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

• AI and ML are being integrated into wildlife conflict mitigation and species tracking.

• Kaziranga National Park has introduced AI-powered surveillance to curb poaching.

• Satellite-based tracking systems are now being used for species monitoring.

 

2. Digitization of Wildlife Data

• The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have digitized 16,500 specimens and geo-tagged 6,124 springs in Himalayan states.

• The National Wildlife Database Centre has expanded digital records of protected areas and species diversity.

 

Global and National Collaborations

 

1. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• Formally established in January 2025 as a treaty-based global initiative.

• 27 countries, including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia, have ratified the treaty.

 

2. India’s Commitment to Global Conservation Treaties

India is strengthening international cooperation under:

1. United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

2. International Whaling Commission regulations

3. MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction

 

Community Engagement and Financial Support

 

1. Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy (2021-26) integrates scientific and community-driven solutions to balance human well-being and wildlife protection.

 

2. Public Participation in Conservation

The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has led to the planting of 102 crore trees in 2024, with a target of 140 crore by March 2025.

 

3. Financial Assistance for Wildlife Protection

The 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹2,602.98 crore for conservation, with dedicated funds for tiger and elephant conservation.

 

Conclusion: A Global Leader in Wildlife Conservation

 

India’s extensive species-specific programs, technological interventions, and community-based initiatives underscore its leadership in biodiversity conservation. With flagship projects like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Dolphin, India continues to set benchmarks in wildlife protection. The integration of AI, satellite tracking, and habitat restoration further strengthens conservation efforts.

 

As India expands its conservation footprint, a continued emphasis on sustainable practices, habitat connectivity, and global cooperation will be essential to securing the country’s rich biodiversity for future generations.