Approach :

Introduction: Briefly talk about the conservation of wildlife fauna and give some endangered species examples.

Body: Talk about challenges faced and also government measures for the protection of endangered species.

Conclusion: Relate the way forward with the current context of an increase in the tiger population.

Answer:

The conservation of wildlife fauna is a complex task that involves addressing various challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and lack of awareness. The Indian government has taken significant measures to address these challenges and protect endangered wildlife fauna, including tigers. Some endangered species in India are Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Great Indian Bustard, Indian Elephant etc.

Challenges posed during the conservation of wildlife fauna:

1. Habitat Loss: One of the most significant challenges in conserving endangered wildlife is habitat loss. With growing urbanization, deforestation, and development activities, the natural habitats of wildlife species are shrinking rapidly. For example - Habitat loss faced by Great Indian Bustard in India.
2. Poaching: Poaching of wildlife for their skins, bones, and other body parts is another significant challenge faced by conservation efforts. Poachers often kill wildlife species for illegal trade, which drives the species to the brink of extinction. For example - the Tusk of Elephants, Horns of Rhinoceros.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: As the human population continues to expand, conflicts between wildlife and humans also increase. Wildlife often ventures into human settlements in search of food and water, leading to conflicts and sometimes causing loss of life and property damage. For example - Instances of Elephants being killed while crossing railway tracks.
4. Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness and education about the importance of conservation and sustainable development is also a challenge faced in conserving endangered wildlife fauna. For example - The killing of species like Black Buck, Chinkara etc.
5. Inadequate funding and resources: Conservation efforts require substantial resources, including funding, staff, and equipment. In India, conservation organizations often struggle to secure adequate resources to carry out their work effectively.
6. Climate change: Climate change can have significant impacts on wildlife habitats and migration patterns, leading to changes in population dynamics and species composition.
7. Invasive species: The introduction of invasive species into ecosystems can disrupt natural ecological processes and threaten native species.
8. Poor law enforcement: Enforcement of laws and regulations designed to protect endangered species can be lax, which undermines conservation efforts.
9. Lack of coordination and cooperation: Conservation efforts can be undermined by a lack of coordination and cooperation between different organizations and stakeholders involved in conservation efforts.

Significant measures are taken by the government:

1. Establishment of Protected Areas: The government has established several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to protect and conserve endangered wildlife. These areas are specially designated for protecting and conserving wildlife and their habitats. For example - The creation of National Parks like Kanha, Manas, and Gir among many.
2. Anti-Poaching Measures: The government has implemented strict anti-poaching laws and regulations, including heavy fines and imprisonment, to deter poachers from killing endangered wildlife.
3. Community Participation: The government has involved local communities in conservation efforts by providing them with alternative livelihood options, educating them about the importance of conservation, and involving them in monitoring and protection activities. For example - The involvement of tribals to ensure the protection of Leopards.
4. Awareness Programs: The government has launched several awareness programs to educate the public about the importance of conservation and sustainable development. These programs aim to change public attitudes towards wildlife and promote responsible behaviour towards the environment. For example - Conduct various seminars, competitions, elocution and debates on wildlife conservation across educational institutions.
5. Conservation Breeding Programs: The government has also initiated conservation breeding programs for endangered wildlife species, including tigers. These programs aim to breed endangered species in captivity and release them back into the wild to increase their numbers.
6. Wildlife Protection Act: In 1972, India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act, which provides legal protection to wild animals and plants, and establishes penalties for offences such as hunting, poaching, and trading in wildlife.
7. Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger is a conservation program aimed at protecting tigers in their natural habitat. Under this program, several tiger reserves have been established across the country.
8. Project Elephant: Launched in 1992, Project Elephant is a conservation program aimed at protecting the Asian elephant and its habitat. The program focuses on mitigating human-elephant conflict, protecting elephant corridors, and addressing poaching and illegal trade in elephant parts.
9. National Wildlife Action Plan: The National Wildlife Action Plan was first launched in 1983 and has been revised several times since then. The plan provides a framework for wildlife conservation and management in India and outlines strategies for habitat conservation, wildlife research, and community participation in conservation efforts.
10. Ban on Wildlife Trade: India has banned the trade in wildlife and their parts, including ivory, tiger bones, and skins. The ban is enforced by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes. India is also a member of CITES ( Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
11. Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves: India has established Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves to protect areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas. These reserves are managed by local communities and provide a mechanism for involving communities in wildlife conservation.
12. Eco-Sensitive Zones: The government has identified Eco-Sensitive Zones around protected areas to regulate activities such as mining, construction, and tourism that could have an adverse impact on wildlife and their habitats.

The conservation of endangered wildlife fauna is a challenging task that requires a multi-pronged approach involving habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, community participation, and awareness programs. The Indian government has taken significant measures to address these challenges and protect endangered wildlife, including tigers, and the recent improvement in the tiger population is a testament to the success of these efforts.