Conservation Beyond Charismatic Species: Lessons from the Saltwater Crocodile's Recovery
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Species in news - Saltwater Crocodile, their habitat - Sundarbans; Conservation Efforts - Project Crocodile; Key Legislations - Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Ecological Concepts - Apex Predator, Keystone Species).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Biodiversity): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Biodiversity and its conservation. The themes of species-centric vs. ecosystem-based conservation and the need for a more inclusive approach are core to this paper.
Key Highlights from the News
A new survey in West Bengal's Sundarban Biosphere Reserve shows an increase in the population of saltwater crocodiles.
This is a good indication that India is moving away from conservation methods that give excessive importance only to prominent animals (charismatic species) like tigers and elephants.
India's successful conservation model has two main factors:
Strong legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Captive breeding and release programs implemented in specific areas (e.g., Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project).
Saltwater crocodiles, as an apex predator, play a crucial role in maintaining the health of mangrove ecosystems.
However, current laws are insufficient to deal with new threats like climate change, rising sea levels, and habitat fragmentation.
The article argues that India should adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive vision of conservation that protects all species equally.
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