Q1. [4]
Project Tiger
Tiger is one of the key wildlife species in the faunal web. In 1973, the authorities realized that the tiger population had dwindled to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the 20th century. The major threats to tiger population are numerous, such as poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey base species, growing human population, etc. The trade of tiger skins and the use of their bones in traditional medicines, especially in the Asian countries left the tiger population on the verge of extinction. Since India and Nepal provide habitat to about two-thirds of the surviving tiger population in the world, these two nations become prime targets for poaching and illegal trading.
"Project Tiger", one of the well publicised wildlife campaigns in the world, was launched in 1973. Tiger conservation has been viewed not only as an effort to save an endangered species but with equal importance as a means of preserving biotypes of sizeable magnitude. Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala are some examples of the tiger reserves in India.
Read the following source and answer the questions that follow :
- (35.1) Why was 'Project Tiger' considered a significant step for Tiger Conservation ? [1]
- (35.2) What role did India play in the global tiger population ? [1]
- (35.3) Mention any two major threats to the wildlife species. [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 32/2/1 Q35
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:05 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(35.1) Project Tiger was considered significant because it aimed not only to save an endangered species but also to preserve biotypes of sizeable magnitude. It was one of the most well-publicised wildlife campaigns in the world, launched in 1973.
(35.2) India and Nepal together provide habitat to about two-thirds of the surviving tiger population in the world. Due to this, India plays a crucial role in global tiger conservation but also becomes a prime target for poaching and illegal trading.
(35.3) Two major threats to wildlife species are:
- Poaching for trade — tiger skins and bones are traded illegally, especially for use in traditional medicines in Asian countries.
- Shrinking habitat — growing human population leads to habitat loss, reducing the space available for tigers to survive.
Source: Chapter 2 – Forest and Wildlife Resources, NCERT Geography Class 10
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Explanation
- 35.1: Examiners expect both aspects — saving an endangered species AND preserving biotypes. Missing the second point loses marks.
- 35.2: The key fact is "two-thirds of surviving tiger population" — this phrase must appear. Also mention the consequence (target for poaching).
- 35.3: Pick any two from the passage: poaching, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey base, growing human population. Briefly explain each for full marks.
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