National Board for Wildlife

 Prime Minister has recently chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir National Park, Gujarat.

• About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): Apex body for wildlife conservation and protection in India, chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Reviews and approves projects affecting protected areas and recommends conservation strategies.
• About Wildlife Conservation & Initiatives announced:

o First-ever riverine dolphin estimation report released, estimating 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025.

o National Referral Centre for Wildlife foundation stone laid in Junagadh. Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore for managing human-wildlife conflict.

o Expansion of Cheetah introduction to Gandhisagar Sanctuary (MP) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat). New Project for Gharials announced for their conservation. National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan initiated.

o Tiger Conservation outside Tiger Reserves to address human-tiger conflicts.