UPSC Notes

Wildlife Translocation as a Conservation Strategy

PYQs

17

Articles

4

Momentum

47

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

India hosts the largest tiger population globally, making tiger conservation a critical aspect of its environmental policy. UPSC cares about these programs due to their ecological significance, challenges in wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict implications, and the effectiveness of conservation models.

Wildlife translocation involves moving animals from one location to another, typically to establish new populations, augment existing ones, or restore species to areas where they have been extirpated. It is a critical tool in biodiversity conservation, especially for endangered species facing habitat fragmentation, genetic isolation, or population decline.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Primary Goal

Aims to enhance genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding depression in isolated populations.

Scope

Can involve intra-state or inter-state movement of animals, requiring extensive coordination.

Process

Requires careful planning, monitoring (e.g., telemetry), and post-release management.

Examples in India

Sariska, Panna, Satkosia, and Similipal Tiger Reserves have undertaken such programs.

Objective

Restore tiger populations in their historical ranges where they have dwindled or become extinct.

Guidance

Governed by protocols set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Successful Example

Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan), where population grew from zero to 56 since 2008.

Challenges Faced

Satkosia Tiger Reserve (Odisha) experienced several challenges during reintroduction.

Reference table

Reactive vs. Preventive Conservation Strategies

Strategy TypeCharacteristicsExamples/Context
Reactive ConservationIntervention after significant population crash or extirpation; focuses on restoring populations.Species reintroduction programs (e.g., Buxa, Sariska, Panna tiger reintroductions)
Preventive ConservationFocuses on protecting source populations, their habitats, prey bases, and corridors before decline.Initial approach of Project Tiger (from 1973)

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaBiodiversity Conservation & Protected Areas
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Law & Policy
Conceptual areaBiodiversity Conservation
Conceptual areaConservation Strategies
Conceptual areaHuman-Wildlife Conflict
Conceptual areaWildlife Management

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)Spearheads and approves
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)Provides scientific expertise
State Forest DepartmentsImplements and manages programs
State Forest Departments (e.g., Bengal Forest Department)Implements reintroduction programs and manages protected areas on the ground
Wildlife Institute of IndiaResearch and implementation support
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Moving animals to new habitats for conservation.
  • Addresses genetic isolation and population decline.
  • Requires careful planning and inter-state coordination.
  • NTCA plays a key role in India.
  • Examples: Sariska, Panna, Similipal tiger reserves.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Biodiversity Conservation & Protected AreasEnvironmental Law & PolicyBiodiversity ConservationConservation Strategies

Similipal’s black tigers are getting help

21 Jun 2026 · Wildlife translocation is a conservation method involving moving animals to new habitats to boost genetic diversity and population numbers, exemplified by India's tiger reintroduction efforts.

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Tigers to be introduced in Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal on October 2

25 Jul 2026 · Conservation strategy to restore tiger populations in depleted habitats, guided by NTCA protocols, with varying success rates and significant ecological implications.

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Rescue act: On tiger reintroduction in West Bengal’s Buxa

03 Oct 2026 · Wildlife reintroduction is a reactive conservation method to restore species in depleted habitats, facing challenges like habitat suitability, prey availability, human-wildlife conflict, and ethical concerns regarding community displacement, often critiqued for its heavy-handed approach.

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Can wildlife thrive in India without active human intervention?

16 Oct 2026 · Species reintroduction programs, like Project Cheetah and Project Tiger, are interventionist conservation tools aimed at establishing self-sustaining populations in historical ranges, though they require significant investment and face challenges.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 17 linked questions on Wildlife Translocation as a Conservation Strategy in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Wildlife Translocation as a Conservation Strategy

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following pairs 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve: Mizoram 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary: Sikkim 3. Saramati Peak: Nagaland Which of the above pairs is /are...

2014·Geography
Solve

Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 1. Nagarhole National Park 2. Papikonda National Park 3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 4...

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forests’. Which of the following statements are correct? 1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Clima...

2021·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025. 2. Sakhya Sa...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

2017·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When...

2022·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers...

2014·Environment & Ecology
Solve

According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?...

2017·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on har...

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements in respect of Trade-Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under the United Na...

2017·Environment & Ecology
Solve

The term 'M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

2017·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: 1. The leader of an elephant group is a female. 2. The maximum gestation period can b...

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' 1. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes ...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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