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EnvironmentSource: The Hindu

Madhav National Park Declared India's 58th Tiger Reserve

Monday, 10 March 2025
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Key Points

Madhav National Park has been officially declared India's 58th Tiger Reserve, marking a significant step in tiger conservation efforts. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 3, which covers environmental conservation. Last Updated: 2025-03-10

Key Facts About Madhav National Park

  • Madhav National Park is now India's 58th Tiger Reserve.
  • Located in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is the 9th Tiger Reserve in the state.
  • The park currently houses 5 tigers.
  • Part of the upper Vindhyan hills.
  • Historically a hunting ground for Mughal emperors.
  • Designated a National Park in 1959.
  • Rich ecosystem includes lakes, dry deciduous forests, and dry thorn forests.
  • Home to various species: tigers, leopards, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chousingha, and several deer species.
  • Part of one of India's 32 major tiger corridors.
  • Operationalized through the Tiger Conservation Plan under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • As of 2022, India's tiger population estimated between 3,167 and 3,925.
  • Annual growth rate of 6.1% for tiger population.
  • India holds approximately 75% of the world’s tigers.
  • Declaration emphasizes efforts in tiger conservation and habitat protection.

India's Tiger Conservation Efforts

The declaration of Madhav National Park as a tiger reserve underscores India's commitment to wildlife conservation, aligning with the country's strategic goal of preserving biodiversity. With an annual growth rate of 6.1% in the tiger population, India continues to lead global efforts in tiger conservation, holding approximately 75% of the world's tigers. This initiative not only enhances ecological balance but also contributes to sustainable tourism and local economic development.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

  • Project Tiger: Aims to ensure a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides the legal framework for the protection of wildlife in India.
  • Tiger Conservation Plan: Focuses on habitat protection and reducing human-tiger conflict.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 1: Geography - Role of natural vegetation and wildlife in environmental conservation.
  • GS Paper 3: Environment - Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.
  • Prelims: Facts about Madhav National Park, tiger population statistics.
  • Mains: Analytical themes on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on environmental conservation and sustainable development.

FAQ Section

  • What is Madhav National Park?

    Madhav National Park is a protected area located in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, recently declared India's 58th Tiger Reserve.

  • Why is Madhav National Park important?

    It plays a crucial role in India's tiger conservation efforts, housing 5 tigers and forming part of one of the country's 32 major tiger corridors.

  • What are the key features of Madhav National Park?

    The park features a rich ecosystem with lakes, dry deciduous, and thorn forests, and is home to species like tigers, leopards, and Nilgai.

Detailed Coverage

  • Madhav National Park is now India's 58th Tiger Reserve.
  • Located in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is the 9th Tiger Reserve in the state.
  • The park currently houses 5 tigers.
  • Part of the upper Vindhyan hills.
  • Historically a hunting ground for Mughal emperors.
  • Designated a National Park in 1959.
  • Rich ecosystem includes lakes, dry deciduous forests, and dry thorn forests.
  • Home to various species: tigers, leopards, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chousingha, and several deer species.
  • Part of one of India's 32 major tiger corridors.
  • Operationalized through the Tiger Conservation Plan under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • As of 2022, India's tiger population estimated between 3,167 and 3,925.
  • Annual growth rate of 6.1% for tiger population.
  • India holds approximately 75% of the world’s tigers.
  • Declaration emphasizes efforts in tiger conservation and habitat protection.
Environment

Practice Questions

Test your understanding of this article

Question 1 of 50 / 5 answered
1

In the context of biodiversity, which of the following ecosystems is characterized by the presence of dry deciduous forests and lakes, as observed in the rich ecosystem of Madhav National Park?