Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?

Role of Protected Areas in Biodiv. cons.

1. Explicit Bans on Poaching, Hunting & killing (Ex: Leopard popn in India increasing but globally reducing)

2. Providing a safer habitat allowing organism to prosper @ their ecological niche. Ex: Asiatic lion @ Gir

3. Genetic Diversity Preservation by cross habitat interaction Ex: tiger translocation @ Madhav N.P.

(4) Reservation of exotic species Ex: Indian laurel tree (Telangana)

(5) Providing suitable climatic conditions and favorable living conditions to thrive. Eg: Sambhar @ MP, Raj.

(6) Community Engagement; Joint Forest management, etc. eg>: KBK corridor, odisha

(7) R&D promotion @ Peripheral areas (outside core areas)

(8) TKDL : Empowering traditional knowledge of local communities.

However, challenges remain:

(1) Hunting, poaching incidents Eg>: Kaziranga, Assam.

(2) man - Animal Conflicts : Exo: Elephants @ Nilgiris of Kerala.

(3) Climate change induced destruction.

(4) Unfinished work upon Eco-corridors & death of wildlife during crossing.

(5) Bureaucratic approach of IFoS; conflict with Gram Sabha.

WAY AHEAD:

(1) → Biocentric Approach & Environmental Ethos

(2) → Technology Standards (Ex: CA|TS for tigers)

(3) → Recognition of community Efforts. Eg: Tulsi Gowda Padma Award

(4) → Increased Budgetary