Context :
- Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, has been declared India’s 58th Tiger Reserve.
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav made the announcement.
- This is Madhya Pradesh’s 9th Tiger Reserve, further strengthening its status as the “Tiger State of India.”
- Madhav Tiger Reserve currently has five tigers, including two cubs born recently.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology )
Tiger Reintroduction Efforts
- In 2023, three tigers, including two females, were introduced to Madhav National Park.
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is expected to release two more tigers into the reserve soon.
Conservation Significance & Ecological Impact
- Strengthening Tiger Conservation:
- Madhya Pradesh already leads with the highest number of tigers in India (~785 as per the 2022 Tiger Census).
- The addition of Madhav Tiger Reserve further reinforces the State’s commitment to tiger conservation.
- Biodiversity & Ecological Benefits:
- Enhances habitat connectivity in the Chambal region.
- Supports the prey population and promotes natural forest regeneration.
Challenges & Future Prospects
- Habitat Management:
- Need for adequate prey base, water sources, and territorial space to support the growing tiger population.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict:
- Measures needed to mitigate conflicts with nearby human settlements.
- Ecosystem Restoration:
- Continuous efforts required to restore grasslands, water bodies, and degraded forests.
- Tourism & Conservation Balance:
- Responsible eco-tourism policies to ensure sustainable development without harming wildlife.
