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Satkosia Tiger Reserve: A Struggling Sanctuary for Conservation

Satkosia Tiger Reserve: A Struggling Sanctuary for Conservation

Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR), located in Odisha, remains a critical biodiversity hotspot despite facing significant conservation challenges. Recently, the reserve has gained attention due to human-wildlife conflicts, with 674 families being relocated as part of a tiger conservation initiative. However, despite these efforts, Satkosia remains one of the four tiger reserves in India without a single tiger.

Overview of Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Location & Geographical Significance

Satkosia Tiger Reserve spans across four districts in Odisha: Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh. It serves as a crucial transitional zone between the Eastern Ghats and the Deccan Plateau, contributing to rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems.

Establishment & Area

  • Established: 2007, through the merger of Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (1976) and Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary (1981).

  • Total Area: 1,136.70 sq. km.

Flora and Fauna

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is home to over 400 plant species, including Sal, Mahua, Bamboo, and medicinal plants. It supports a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles, wild dogs, and over 200 species of birds. Despite once having 12 tigers (2007), the latest 2022 census revealed that there are no tigers left in the reserve.

Ramsar Recognition

The reserve is recognized as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, adding to its ecological significance.

Tiger Reintroduction Efforts: A Failed Initiative

In 2018, efforts were made to reintroduce tigers into Satkosia. Two tigers from Madhya Pradesh were relocated to the reserve, but the initiative failed due to poaching and mismanagement. This highlighted the need for better conservation strategies, habitat protection, and stronger anti-poaching measures.

Human-Wildlife Conflict & Relocation Issues

One of the biggest challenges Satkosia faces is human settlements within and around the reserve. There are 234 villages in the impact zone, leading to frequent human-wildlife conflicts over land, resources, and livestock predation. While voluntary resettlement programs have been initiated, socio-economic concerns continue to impact conservation efforts.

Role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

What is NTCA?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) responsible for tiger conservation and habitat management in India.

Establishment & Structure

  • Established in 2006, under Section 38L of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amendment 2006).

  • Chairperson: Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

  • Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).

  • Members: Wildlife experts, environmental law professionals, and representatives from conservation NGOs.

Key Functions of NTCA

  • Project Tiger Implementation: Oversees all 58 tiger reserves.

  • Approval of Conservation Plans: Ensures scientific management of tiger habitats.

  • Habitat Protection & Corridor Development: Focuses on conflict reduction and ecological balance.

  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Conducts tiger population assessments using M-STrIPES technology.

  • Public Awareness & Capacity Building: Promotes eco-tourism, community participation, and anti-poaching initiatives.

Conclusion

Satkosia Tiger Reserve represents both the challenges and potential of India’s tiger conservation efforts. While human-wildlife conflict and failed tiger reintroduction have hampered its status as a thriving tiger habitat, effective conservation strategies, improved monitoring, and community engagement could pave the way for its revival as a significant tiger reserve in India.

MCQs for UPSC CSE Preparation

  1. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in which Indian state?
    a) Madhya Pradesh
    b) Odisha
    c) Chhattisgarh
    d) West Bengal
    Answer: b) Odisha

  2. Which two sanctuaries were merged to form Satkosia Tiger Reserve?
    a) Bandipur and Nagarhole Sanctuaries
    b) Simlipal and Chandaka Sanctuaries
    c) Satkosia Gorge and Baisipali Sanctuaries
    d) Kanha and Panna Sanctuaries
    Answer: c) Satkosia Gorge and Baisipali Sanctuaries

  3. What was the major reason for the failure of the tiger reintroduction program in Satkosia?
    a) Lack of food sources
    b) Poaching and mismanagement
    c) Extreme weather conditions
    d) Overpopulation of tigers
    Answer: b) Poaching and mismanagement

  4. Which organization oversees Project Tiger in India?
    a) Wildlife Trust of India
    b) National Biodiversity Authority
    c) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
    d) Zoological Survey of India
    Answer: c) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

  5. What is the purpose of the M-STrIPES program?
    a) Anti-poaching training
    b) Monitoring tiger populations
    c) Providing medical aid to wild animals
    d) Forest fire management
    Answer: b) Monitoring tiger populations

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Discuss the challenges faced by Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha and suggest measures for its effective conservation and revival as a thriving tiger habitat.

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