WPSI REPORT ON TIGER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Env and Eco)

Context: India lost a record 204 tigers this year from January 1-December 25, according to figures compiled by non-profit, Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).

Key findings of the report

• Maharashtra, with 52 deaths, topped the list of Indian states. It was followed by India’s top tiger state, Madhya Pradesh with 45 deaths.
• The reasons for tiger deaths were varied. ‘Natural & other causes’ claimed 79 tigers, the biggest cause of death according to the figures compiled by WPSI.
• India’s tiger population increased by 200 from 2018 to 2022, according to the fifth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (2022).

Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI)

• Founded: In 1994 by Belinda Wright
• Mission: To bring new focus and energy to tackle the growing wildlife crisis in India. 
• Goal: To protect endangered species and their habitats through awareness, support, and training.
• Programs: The WPSI works with government law enforcement agencies throughout India to apprehend tiger poachers and traders in tiger parts. 

oWPSI also makes every effort to investigate and verify any seizure of tiger parts and unnatural tiger deaths that are brought to their notice.

• Conservation: WPSI supports conservation projects for species as varied as the tiger, otter and sea turtle.

Tiger

• Conservation Status: IUCN – Endangered, CITES – Appendix I, WPA, 1972 – Schedule I.
• Total Tiger Reserves in India – 53. 
• Latest one being Guru Ghasidas National Park & and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh.
• Maximum Tiger Reserves – Maharashtra and MP (6 each).