| Abstract: |
Ranthambore National Park (RNP) within the confluence of the Mughal ranges at Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan is one of the most successful tiger conservation landscapes in India in a semi-arid biogeographical setting. The current research geographically compares the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in RNP in 1973 and 2021, based on faunal recovery, floristic composition, land-use dynamics, and human-wildlife interaction. The aims were to determine the long-term population changes in the Bengal tiger and the related prey species, as well as to determine spatial pressures on the biodiversity. The methodology included secondary geospatial data, published census reports of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), peer reviewed demographic research, tourism statistics; descriptive statistics, percentage analysis and trend analysis were used. The hypothesis was as follows: Intensive in-situ conservation in RNP has resulted in a quantifiable increase in tiger population despite the shrinking forest cover and increased human encroachment. Findings indicate that the number of tigers has risen with 25 (2005) to 71 (2021) and dense forest has dropped and built-up area has soared. As discussed, demographic recovery is accompanied by genetic isolation and increased conflict. The paper concludes that the sustainability of biodiversity in RNP is dependent on habitats connectivity and ecological corridors. |
