Corbett Tiger Reserve Issues

Syllabus Areas:

GS III - Environment and Ecology

Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), India’s first national park (1936), continues to be a flagship in tiger conservation but now faces ecological stress from unregulated tourism and associated infrastructure development. Growing tiger numbers in both core and buffer zones have raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict. Spread of invasive species (lantana), habitat degradation, and tourism pressure are threatening long-term conservation goals.

Historical Background

  • 1936 – Founded as Hailey National Park, renamed Corbett National Park in 1957 in honour of Jim Corbett.
  • Jim Corbett (1875–1955) – Born in Nainital, spent life in Kumaon, famous for hunting man-eaters and later for advocating tiger conservation.
  • Advocated wildlife protection before Independence; worked for community welfare in Choti Haldwani.
  • 1973 – Project Tiger launched; Corbett was among first 9 reserves chosen.
  • CTR’s area expanded to ~1,288 sq km (core + buffer) with over 200 tigers today.

Wildlife Tourism & Economy

  • ~3 lakh visitors annually generate ~₹20 crore in revenue.
  • Tourism infrastructure: lodges inside & outside reserve, vehicle safaris across 8 zones.
  • Concerns:
    • Unregulated luxury resorts.
    • Expansion of tourism zones for leisure/weddings.
    • Light & noise pollution, walls, vehicular traffic obstruct tiger movement.
    • Inequitable economic benefits – local communities often left out.

Ecological Challenges

  • Tiger Habitat Pressure:
    • NTCA recommends 75–100 adult/sub-adult tigers for viability; Corbett meets this but density spreading to buffer & adjoining divisions (Ramnagar, Terai West, Lansdowne).
    • Human-wildlife conflicts increasing — tigers/leopards entering villages.
  • Invasive species: Lantana camara choking grasslands.
    • Reduces water infiltration, increases erosion.
    • Highly flammable → spreads forest fires quickly.
  • Grassland degradation:
    • Native grass cover only ~10% of area.
    • Poor follow-up after lantana removal → native grass planting neglected.
    • Grass nurseries underutilised.

Conservation Achievements

  • CTR considered a model reserve for:
    • Anti-poaching measures.
    • Dedicated staff and effective management.
  • Tiger numbers in India rose from ~1,800 in 1973 to 3,600+ (2023 census), with Corbett holding one of the largest populations.
Corbett Tiger Reserve Issues

Jim Corbett – The Man & His Legacy

  • Legendary hunter-turned-conservationist.
  • Wrote 6 popular books — Man-Eaters of Kumaon, The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag, My India, Tree Tops, etc.
  • Known for his philosophy of balance between wildlife protection and human welfare.
  • Dedicated “My India” to “my friends, the poor of India”.
  • Last years in Kenya; died in 1955.
  • Remembered as both a shikari and a protector of tigers.
  • Famous quote: “A tiger is a large-hearted gentleman…” — warning against extermination.

Man-Eater Encounters

  • Corbett’s hunting style was marked by skill, patience, and personal risk.
  • Killed 12 recorded man-eaters (possibly more).
  • Most famous hunts: Chowgarh man-eater (killed over 60 people), Rudraprayag leopard.
  • Contradiction in his life — hunted tigers but deeply respected and sought to protect them from extinction.

Broader Environmental Context

  • Forest cover in India declined from >25% at Independence to ~11% (mid-20th century).
  • Present-day challenge: balancing conservation with development & population pressure.
  • Tigers remain ecological keystone species — their survival ensures a self-sustaining forest ecosystem.

Prelims Questions:

1. Consider the following statements regarding Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR):
  1. It was the first national park to be established in Asia.
  2. It was one of the first nine reserves under Project Tiger in 1973.
  3. It is currently home to the largest tiger population in any protected area in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
2. Which of the following are direct ecological impacts of Lantana camara spread in tiger reserves like Corbett?
  1. Increased soil erosion
  2. Enhanced groundwater recharge
  3. Greater forest fire vulnerability
  4. Reduced regeneration of native grasses
Select the correct answer using the code below:
  1. 1, 3 and 4 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
3. Which of the following correctly matches the book with its content?
Book Content
1. Man-Eaters of Kumaon Accounts of hunting man-eating tigers in Kumaon
2. My India Stories of Corbett’s life among the poor in India
3. Tree Tops Describes Princess Elizabeth’s stay in Kenya when she became Queen
Select the correct code:
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Mains Question:

  • "Discuss the challenges of balancing wildlife conservation and tourism in protected areas, with special reference to Corbett Tiger Reserve." 10 Marks 150 Words