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India’s 58th Tiger Reserve: Why Madhav National Park Matters for Conservation

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On March 9, 2025, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been declared India’s 58th tiger reserve. This marks the ninth tiger reserve in the state, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s status as a stronghold for tiger conservation. With this addition, Madhya Pradesh now leads in the number of tiger reserves, followed by Maharashtra (six), and Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka (five each). The decision underscores India’s continued commitment to protecting its tiger population and ensuring the survival of this apex predator.

Table of Contents

  1. The Rationale Behind Setting Up Tiger Reserves

  2. What Does Establishing a Tiger Reserve Entail?

  3. How Are Tiger Reserves Funded?

  4. Why Is the Madhav National Park Important?

  5. Challenges in Expanding Tiger Reserves

  6. Conclusion: Strengthening India’s Conservation Efforts

 

1. The Rationale Behind Setting Up Tiger Reserves

Historically, India’s tiger population faced a sharp decline due to hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction. In 1964, an estimated 40,000 tigers roamed Indian forests, but by the 1970s, numbers had plummeted to 4,000 due to excessive hunting and deforestation.

Recognizing the alarming decline, the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) recommended a total ban on tiger skin exports in 1969. By 1973, India launched Project Tiger, aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of tigers in their natural habitat. Initially, the project began with nine tiger reserves, which included famous landscapes like Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sundarbans (West Bengal), and Kanha (Madhya Pradesh). Since then, the network of protected areas has expanded, with Madhav National Park becoming the latest addition in 2025.

 

2. What Does Establishing a Tiger Reserve Entail?

A tiger reserve must meet strict ecological and administrative criteria before receiving official designation. The process involves:

  • Project Tiger Guidelines: Every tiger reserve is planned in accordance with a site-specific management plan under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

  • Core and Buffer Zones: Reserves are divided into:

    • Core zones, where human activity is restricted.

    • Buffer zones, which allow sustainable human use while supporting conservation efforts.

  • Monitoring and Habitat Protection: Steps include prey base management, patrolling against poaching, and habitat restoration to ensure a stable tiger population.

 

3. How Are Tiger Reserves Funded?

Tiger reserves in India receive funding primarily through Project Tiger, which was launched in 1973. Funding is distributed as follows:

  • 60% from the central government for most states.

  • 90% funding for northeastern and Himalayan states, given their challenging terrain and conservation needs.

  • Funds are allocated for anti-poaching efforts, habitat improvement, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

  • Additionally, local communities are provided incentives to shift away from activities that could harm tiger populations.

 

4. Why Is the Madhav National Park Important?

Madhav National Park spans 162.32 sq km and was first designated a National Park in 1956. However, it lacked a resident tiger population until 2023, when efforts were made to reintroduce the big cats.

 

Key Ecological Significance:

  • Corridor Connectivity: Madhav acts as an important connecting corridor between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) and Kuno National Park, allowing for natural tiger movement.

  • Wildlife Diversity: Apart from tigers, the park houses leopards, deer, crocodiles, and migratory birds.

  • Conservation Boost: With its upgraded status as a tiger reserve, it will receive enhanced protection measures, benefiting the entire ecosystem.

 

5. Challenges in Expanding Tiger Reserves

While adding new reserves is crucial for conservation, several challenges persist:

 

1. Human-Wildlife Conflict

  • Expanding reserves often leads to relocation of villages, which can cause displacement-related resistance.

  • Encroachment and illegal activities near protected areas threaten tiger habitats.

 

2. Prey-Predator Imbalance

  • Some reserves lack a sufficient prey base to sustain tiger populations.

  • Relocating tigers without ensuring enough deer and wild boars can lead to livestock predation, creating friction with local communities.

 
3. Lack of Data-Driven Planning

  • The last national tiger census (2023) estimated 3,682 tigers in India, but data gaps still exist in some states.

  • Effective conservation requires accurate tracking, better funding, and adaptive management strategies.

 

6. Conclusion: Strengthening India’s Conservation Efforts:

The designation of Madhav National Park as India’s 58th tiger reserve marks another milestone in conservation. However, successful tiger conservation depends not only on adding new reserves but also on managing existing ones effectively.

 

Key Recommendations:

  • Improving Ecological Corridors: Connecting fragmented tiger habitats to reduce genetic isolation.

  • Enhancing Community Participation: Involving local communities in conservation programs to foster coexistence.

  • Adopting Global Best Practices: Learning from Thailand, Russia, and Nepal, which have successfully balanced conservation with local economic development.

India’s commitment to tiger conservation is unmatched, but continued success depends on sustainable policies, scientific interventions, and local engagement. By addressing conservation challenges holistically, India can ensure that tigers thrive for generations to come.