Indian Wildlife Status & Tourism

A Nation rich in wilderness is wealthy, and this comes about from being rich in natural resources. If the natural resources are used in a sustainable manner the wealth stays else the country moves into penury and becomes susceptible to invasions and in the present times it becomes susceptible for takeovers.

India has done a commendable and responsible job managing its wilderness and natural resources but in the last century things did not go out well. The main culprit was foreign domination beginning from Arab invasions to the British Rule. But even after independence we did not act responsibly.

Over population led to wide scale expansion of agriculture at the cost of precious ecosystems in this country. Hunting by elites followed by extensive poaching and wood logging continued unmitigated till responsible actions were taken in post seventies. Intense conservation measures were the need of the hour as the wild animal populations including that of the tiger had plunged to its lowest. The habitat degradation was at its peak. This called for urgent measures in order to stem the rot and those were considered thankfully, taken by the ruling dispensations.

Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Project Tiger Program were milestones that help recover endangered populations and still continue to do so. After major set backs in Panna and Sariska whence entire big cat population was wiped out a kind of awakening came into the picture. And since than the vigilant task force all over the country has done a commendable job.

Many species of mammals and reptiles have shown as marked increase in populations. With strong conservation measures wildlife of India is on verge of recovery. The Asiatic Lion has made a spectacular recovery. The lion population in Gir had shrunk to around twenty plus heads but with protection and conservation measures the population has grown to over five hundred in Gujarat. Similarly the tiger population in India is nearly at three thousand from a love of 1400 or less. The Rhino population after conservation measures at Kaziranga National Park and subsequent translocation and rehabilitation campaigns is increasing.

The recovery of ecosystems and habitat within has been a measurable success. This has come about by creating inviolate areas in the tiger reserves. Another boon thanks to creation of tiger reserves and National Parks has been the inclusion of tourism in a regulated manner.

Wildlife tourism in India has boosted local economies and empowered communities that were once living in dire circumstances. It has also increased foreign exchange earnings as a large number of overseas visitor arrive to witness enchanting mammals, birds and reptiles.

For partaking in wildlife tourism in tour operator service should be hired. Although you can make a direct visit, it is better to go through an agent. This will take care of all travel and accommodation need. The tour organizers offer tiger tourism packages to various wildlife destinations and you can choose as per your desire. India is a vast country and hence there is no limit to number of packages available online.

The best season for traveling in India especially for ecotourism is winters. The summers are hot while in monsoon the rains create a slush which makes road travel difficulty.

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.