Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): A Vital Strategy for Conservation

“Wildlife is decreasing in every nation, and not enough is being done to preserve the species that are in danger of extinction.” – Steve Irwin. This quote might strike a chord with many nature enthusiasts, but it’s also a wake-up call for all of us. India, known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, faces growing threats to its wildlife habitats due to urbanization, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflicts. The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme is one of the country’s pivotal strategies to safeguard and restore these precious ecosystems. Without such initiatives, many of India’s iconic species might be left without a home. Let’s take a closer look at what the IDWH does and why it matters in the larger picture of wildlife conservation.

Objectives of the IDWH Scheme

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Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) Overview

Initiated

Expanded from the previous scheme “Assistance for the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries” during India’s 11th Plan Period.

Main Objectives

Conservation of wildlife habitats
Strengthening protection measures
Focus on critically endangered species
Promote eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood support for local communities

Total Protected Areas

998 (including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves)

Protected Area Coverage

173,629.52 km² (approximately 5.28% of India’s geographical area)

Critically Endangered Species

22 species (e.g., Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Great Indian Bustard)

Key Projects Under IDWH

Project Tiger
Project Elephant
Species Recovery Programs for critically endangered species

Funding Structure

60:40 central-state funding ratio for most states, and 90:10 for North East and Himalayan states

Benefits Beyond Conservation

Eco-tourism development
Employment generation (about 30 lakh mandays annually)
Economic upliftment of local communities by reducing dependency on natural resources and supporting clean energy adoption

The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats has a clear set of objectives that aim to create sustainable environments for wildlife across the country. It’s not just about protecting the animals—it’s about preserving the delicate balance of entire ecosystems. Let’s break down the main goals of this vital scheme.

  • Conservation and Development of Wildlife Habitats: One of the main objectives of the IDWH is to provide financial support to State/UT Governments, enabling them to take active measures in conserving and developing wildlife habitats. This means upgrading the infrastructure in protected areas, maintaining wildlife sanctuaries, and ensuring that natural habitats are preserved.
  • Strengthening Management and Protection Measures for Wildlife: A lot goes into managing wildlife habitats. From forest guards patrolling the areas to ensure poaching doesn’t occur to building physical barriers to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, the IDWH provides resources to strengthen these protective measures.
  • Focus on Endangered Species and Their Habitats: Some species are on the verge of extinction, and IDWH targets those with special recovery programs. The goal is to not just protect the land but also to ensure that species like the snow leopard, red panda, and bustard are given a fighting chance at survival.
  • Eco-tourism and Livelihood Support for Local Communities: Here’s where things get interesting. While the main aim is wildlife conservation, IDWH also promotes eco-tourism. This not only boosts local economies but also offers livelihood support to communities who otherwise depend on natural resources for survival. It’s a win-win where both humans and animals benefit.

What are the Key Facts About the IDWH?

When diving deeper into the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, there are some fascinating facts that underscore the scale and impact of the program. Let’s take a look at some key stats and figures that highlight why the IDWH is such a crucial element in India’s conservation efforts.

  • The IDWH scheme is centrally sponsored, meaning it operates with a combination of funding from the central and state governments. This allows for a more uniform approach across the country, with specific focus areas based on regional needs.
  • It evolved from the previous “Assistance for the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries” and became what it is today during India’s 11th Plan Period. That’s when the government really kicked things into gear with a more integrated approach to wildlife conservation.
  • Protected Areas in India now total 998, covering a massive area of 173,629.52 km², which is roughly 5.28% of India’s geographical area. These areas include 106 National Parks, 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 105 Conservation Reserves, and 220 Community Reserves. The numbers alone are enough to give you an idea of the enormous task IDWH is undertaking.

Species Recovery Programs: Giving Endangered Species a Fighting Chance

Species recovery programs, a core focus of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats. These programs are all about bringing back species that are teetering on the brink. You know, the ones that if we don’t act fast, could be gone forever. And it isn’t an easy job, We’re talking about 22 critically endangered species, including the snow leopard, the great Indian bustard, the Hangul, and even marine species like the Dugong. It’s kinda like giving these species their last shot, and IDWH’s got their back.

These recovery programs are not just about conserving habitats; they’re about making sure these species thrive. Take the bustard, for instance—there’s dedicated work going into ensuring their habitats remain undisturbed and their populations get the support needed to rebound. Sure, it’s slow, and sure, it takes time, but without the IDWH, these species wouldn’t even have a chance.

One of the best things about these programs is how they also integrate local communities. People living near the habitats often become key players in these conservation efforts. It’s like a two-way street: protect the species, and in return, communities benefit from eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and a deeper connection to their natural surroundings.

Technology for Conservation: The Modern Approach

In the modern world, conservation can’t rely on traditional methods alone. Technology plays a major role, and the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats has embraced it fully. From drones patrolling remote areas to GPS tracking of endangered species, tech has become a game-changer in wildlife conservation.

For example, M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection, and Ecological Status). This mobile app, used under Project Tiger, is like having a digital assistant in the wild. It allows field officers to record tiger sightings, track their movements, and gather important data about their behavior—all in real time. This boosts protection efforts and makes managing tiger populations much more efficient.

Then there’s Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has become a game-changer in the All-India Tiger Estimation process. AI helps identify tigers at the species level, speeding up the process of counting them and keeping an eye on population trends. It’s tech doing what it does best—making complex tasks simpler and more accurate.

And let’s not forget about the power of Conservation Genetics. The genetic makeup of tigers is now a key factor when deciding where to translocate them. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed to ensure that these decisions are backed by solid genetic data, which improves the chances of successful relocation. Plus, genetics are used to study tiger populations in areas with fewer tigers, and even to analyze their food ecology. Understanding what tigers are eating helps conservationists manage their habitats more effectively.

Conclusion

The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats is not just a policy; it’s a lifeline for India’s wildlife. It focuses on protecting the environment, ensuring endangered species get a second chance, and even lifting local communities through eco-tourism. Whether through high-tech solutions like drones or on-the-ground efforts by forest rangers, the IDWH is working to secure a future for wildlife across the country.

In the end, this strategy isn’t just about saving animals—it’s about preserving the natural heritage of India for future generations. If we don’t act now, we risk losing species that have roamed this land for centuries. The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats gives us hope that, with proper care and attention, we can keep these ecosystems thriving for years to come.

 

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FAQ: UKPSC Lower PCS Notification 2024

The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats is a centrally sponsored scheme in India designed to support wildlife conservation efforts. It focuses on protecting and improving wildlife habitats, recovering endangered species, and even promoting eco-tourism. Think of it as a comprehensive strategy to ensure that both wildlife and local communities can thrive in harmony.

The scheme kicked off during India’s 11th Plan Period, evolving from a previous initiative. The main reason it’s such a big deal is that it addresses the growing threats to wildlife habitats due to things like deforestation and human-wildlife conflict. It provides financial and technical assistance to states, helping them protect vulnerable species and conserve large areas of land.

  • Protect and conserve wildlife habitats by improving the management of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves.
  • Focus on endangered species through recovery programs for animals like snow leopards, tigers, and the great Indian bustard.
  • Promote eco-tourism, which benefits both wildlife conservation and local economies.
  • Support local communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, reducing their dependency on forest resources.

India’s protected areas, which include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves, cover approximately 5.28% of the country’s geographical area. That’s about 173,629.52 km² of land.

IDWH isn’t just about animals—it also focuses on the people living around these habitats. By promoting eco-tourism, it creates jobs and alternative livelihoods, which helps local communities reduce their reliance on natural resources. It’s a win-win where both people and wildlife benefit.

Eco-tourism under IDWH is all about responsible travel. It’s not just a way to boost tourism revenue but also to raise awareness about the importance of conservation. Visitors contribute to the local economy, and the funds generated help support wildlife protection efforts. Plus, local communities benefit from job opportunities in tourism, guiding, and hospitality.

The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) recovery program focuses on the following 22 critically endangered species:

  1. Snow Leopard
  2. Great Indian Bustard
  3. Gangetic Dolphin
  4. Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
  5. Nilgiri Tahr
  6. Marine Turtles
  7. Dugong
  8. Edible Nest Swiftlet
  9. Asian Wild Buffalo
  10. Nicobar Megapode
  11. Manipur Brow-antlered Deer (Sangai)
  12. Vultures
  13. Malabar Civet
  14. Indian Rhinoceros
  15. Asiatic Lion
  16. Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
  17. Jerdon’s Courser
  18. Northern River Terrapin
  19. Clouded Leopard
  20. Arabian Sea Humpback Whale
  21. Red Panda
  22. Caracal

These species are at risk of extinction, and the IDWH recovery program aims to protect their habitats, increase their populations, and secure their future in the wild.

Wildlife conservation isn’t just about protecting animals—it’s about maintaining the balance of nature. Healthy ecosystems provide things like clean air, water, and even climate stability. Plus, let’s face it: the world would be a much emptier place without these incredible creatures roaming around. Supporting schemes like Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats helps ensure that future generations can experience the same diversity of life that we enjoy today.

You can get involved by visiting eco-tourism sites, donating to wildlife conservation organizations, or even volunteering for conservation projects. Every little bit counts, Raising awareness is also crucial—talk to your friends, share articles (like this one), and encourage others to care about wildlife too.

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