Project Tiger: from 9 reserves over 18,278 km2 to 53 reserves over 75,796 km2
Background
The Government of India launched Project Tiger in 1973 as an ambitious, holistic conservation project.
It began with 9 reserves covering 18,278 km2 and grew to 53 reserves spread across 75,796 km2, as stated in the All India Tiger Estimation release.
The first phase focused on enacting the Wildlife Protection Act and establishing protected areas for tigers.
The detailed All India Tiger Estimation report gives the average number as 3682 tigers, an annual growth rate of 6.1% per annum.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority was involved in the release.
Launched:
1973
Initial reserves:
9 covering 18,278 km2
Reserves in the release:
53 across 75,796 km2
Average tiger number:
3682
Annual growth:
6.1% per annum
Why it matters for exams: Project Tiger's start year, its first-phase focus and the NTCA are recurring environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NTCA National Tiger Conservation Authority — The authority that works on tiger conservation.